Wayne Rooney’s dramatic body transformation and alcohol ban as wife ‘fancies him more than ever’
Wayne Rooney took the World Cup by storm as a BBC pundit and the Manchester United legend’s candid takes were accompanied by a trim figure
Wayne Rooney impressed as a pundit for the BBC at the World Cup and did so whilst looking stylish. The slimmed-down Manchester United icon also claims he didn’t have a sip of alcohol across the five-week tournament in North America, which has been an issue in the past.
After 104 matches, ups, downs and endless drama, the World Cup has concluded and Spain are your champions. Those who consistently tuned into the BBC’s coverage of the competition were guided through the action by a crack team of ex-pros and broadcast royalty.
For the finale in New Jersey, the Beeb’s crew, who had been based in Salford until the semi-finals, presented live from inside New York/New Jersey Stadium and it was the usual trio of Micah Richards, Joe Hart and Rooney joining Gabby Logan on the panel.
Viewers have lauded Rooney’s honesty and confidence across this tournament and as the BBC’s final show wound down on Sunday night, a comment from co-star Richards highlighted his commendable body transformation.
Mirror Football takes a look at the new Rooney, including his five-week alcohol ban, Beeb salary and the influence of ever-present other half Coleen.
New look
As soon as Rooney began his World Cup punditry role, those watching on television noticed his altered appearance. The United hero looked sleek, wearing polished clothing, rocking a clean haircut and trimming down his once very prominent beard.
During the final, his immaculate grey suit forced Richards into some praise. He said to Rooney: “I think you should have a great time, you’ve been great all tournament, Wayne.
Rooney looked dapper during the World Cup final(Image: BBC Sport)
“Not a drink of alcohol. Are you going to celebrate tonight?” Rooney replied: “Listen, I’ll enjoy the evening, of course I will.” Richards then added: “Look at him. He looks absolutely magnificent. The hair looks great, the fit is really good. He’s full of confidence. And he’s had a great World Cup, so congratulations.”
Coleen to the rescue
The Sun reports that this change was masterminded by wife Coleen, who now “fancies her husband more than ever.” It is claimed that in the build-up to the World Cup, she knew he wasn’t happy with his look and put him on a diet and an exercise regimen.
Rooney was reportedly encouraged to use their home gym and a personal trainer was hired to help him. These workouts were followed by various other treatments, including facials, to ensure he looked his best for his BBC gig. A shopping trip for some new clothes was also on the agenda.
The United icon has been married to his wife Coleen for 18 years(Image: Instagram/@waynerooney)
This transformation is not all Coleen can be held responsible for. Rooney’s admission that he hasn’t touched alcohol during the World Cup comes after his struggles with drinking. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast last year, the 40-year-old admitted he would be dead if it weren’t for his wife of 18 years.
“I honestly believe if she weren’t there, I’d be dead,” he said. “I’ve made mistakes in the past which are well documented and whatever, but I’m a little bit different at times and she keeps me on that path and she’s done it for 20-odd years.
“I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and have a night out. It got to a point where I went too far – that was a moment in my life where I was struggling massively with alcohol. I didn’t think I could turn to anyone. I didn’t really want to because I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone.
“I just drank for two days straight. Come training and at the weekend I’d score two goals and then I’d go back and go and drink for two days straight again. She’s helped me control that massively. She’s managed me because I needed managing.”
BBC salary
All this managing has paid off for the reformed Rooney, who, after unsuccessful stints in management with the likes of Derby County, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, has now found his feet as a pundit.
The 40-year-old reportedly penned a contract with the Beeb in 2025(Image: BBC Sport)
In 2025, he reportedly signed a two-year contract with the BBC that is worth £800,000. This salary is paid through BBC Studios, the corporation’s commercial arm, rather than from the license fee, so his exact salary is not made public.
Nevertheless, after calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s footwear during the World Cup trophy presentation ceremony “stupid” and dubbing the final’s half-time show “c**p,” Rooney has announced himself as an expert who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
