Wayne Rooney has reportedly signed a big-money deal to become a regular pundit on Match of the Day.
The program is poised for a transformation following Gary Lineker’s exit from the BBC’s main football show, where he had been the host for over 25 years.
Lineker’s former hosting responsibilities will be taken on by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates, who will alternate their appearances as hosts on Match of the Day and its Sunday iteration, Match of the Day 2.
Joining them in the studio will be Rooney, who, according to The Sun, has agreed to a blockbuster deal worth a reported £800,000 per year.
This salary confirms him as one of the top-paid analysts at the BBC, earning more than twice the recent salary of Alan Shearer, who collected up to £384,999 for his appearances in the 2023/24 season. Shearer will continue as a regular on the show, joined by Chapman, Logan, Cates, and now Rooney.
Rooney is no newcomer to punditry.
The former England captain has made several guest appearances for the BBC and Sky Sports in recent years, but has leaned further into the role since his sacking as Plymouth Argyle manager on New Year’s Eve.
Now, he’s making his biggest move yet in the media world – one that will also see him join the BBC’s team for the 2026 World Cup in North America, where he’ll feature alongside the likes of Shearer, Jurgen Klinsmann, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Hart.
With Match of the Day ratings expected to take a hit following Lineker’s departure, the BBC will no doubt be hoping Rooney can be the headline act they need to steady the ship.
