Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney was named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards in London on Thursday.
Other awards in London
The ceremony was attended by 650 people from the sports television industry. Gabby Logan was named sports presenter of the year for her work across the World Cup, Six Nations, London Marathon, Match of the Day and European Athletics for BBC Sport.
Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood received the sports commentator of the year award, while Ultras was named sports documentary of the year (series).
Rooney's work on television
Rooney made his debut as a full-time pundit on Match of the Day in August 2025. He said: "I didn't realise how tough it was going to be when I first started doing it. I've always been my own biggest critic. And even now I need to improve, I need to be better. It's a lot of hard work."
Rooney also said: "I do look at the other pundits who have been there a long time. I see how they do it. I enjoy it, it keeps me involved in football."
He said: "You do see it. It drives me to be better. I always feel when I do something I want to do better and be the best I can."
Assessments from colleagues and BBC executives
Guardian journalist Paul MacInnes said: "He's articulate, and on Saturday night was able to conjure up the right word when you could see he was looking for it. He is tactically insightful and has a wealth of experience to draw from too."
Paul Stretford, Rooney's long-serving agent, said: "It is no surprise to me that Wayne has continued to put his doubters in their place with his football intelligence and straightforward manner. Time and time again as a player he was able to raise his game to incredible levels. They should also not be surprised at his drive and ambition to be the best that he can possibly be. And he does this with a combination of intelligence and humility."
Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport events, said: "Wayne is also a very likeable guy, a proper team player, with no ego on display." Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "Like anyone who cares about their job, Wayne had to work hard - to learn skills around analysis and delivery - and he's improved so much in a short time."
Kay-Jelski also said: "Micah and Joe alongside him at the World Cup were perfect team-mates - three equals - and you'll be seeing more of them together on the BBC in coming seasons."
World Cups and playing career
Rooney played at three World Cups for England. His fitness regime involves games of padel and boxing training.
The 2026 World Cup final half-time show featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber and ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds. Assessing the show live on BBC Television, Rooney said: "I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap."
As a player, Rooney won the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League five times, FA Cup and League Cup three times.
