Show Notes
Wayne is joined by Kelly Somers, Kae Kurd and Adam McKola to look back on some of the most unforgettable matches and moments of his remarkable career. Wayne reflects on the goal that announced him to the world: his iconic strike for Everton against Arsenal in 2002. He describes the goal from his own perspective, admits how shocked he felt by the sheer size of the Arsenal players in the Goodison Park tunnel, and explains how that moment changed his life. The conversation then turns to Euro 2004, as Wayne relives his two goals against Croatia and explains why he genuinely felt he was the best player in the world heading into the tournament. From there, the panel revisit Manchester United’s dramatic Champions League final victory over Chelsea in 2008, with Wayne revealing Sir Alex Ferguson’s unforgettable pre-match team talk, why he thought it was all over when John Terry stepped up to take Chelsea’s 5th penalty and how inspiring words from Sir Bobby Charlton convinced him United were destined to lift the trophy. He also shares the story of the cheeky fan who somehow blagged his way onto the pitch and into the post-match party. Wayne also looks back on United’s astonishing 8-2 win over Arsenal in 2011, revealing how shocked the players were by the scoreline and where his hat-trick ranks among his favourite treble performances. He also reflects on former team-mate Anderson, discussing why the Brazilian’s career perhaps never matched his immense talent. The episode closes with memories from Wayne’s later United years, including the 2017 draw with Stoke that saw him become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, and why he credits José Mourinho in part for that landmark goal. Wayne debates whether records or trophies matter more, recalls what drove him to win the FA Cup in 2016, and reveals the goalkeeper he once told he would chip, before going out and doing exactly that. You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, iPlayer, as well as listen on BBC Sounds.
More from The Wayne Rooney Show
Who will win the World Cup? Who are the real favourites to lift the trophy? And what does it actually take to succeed on football's biggest stage? Wayne Rooney is joined by Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar to debate the leading contenders, relive World Cup heartbreak with the Netherlands and explain why some players thrive under the biggest pressure while others don't. They also lift the lid on life under Sir Alex Ferguson, revisit Manchester United's greatest team, relive the battles with Barcelona, discuss the evolution of goalkeeping and look back at Van der Sar's unforgettable assist for Rooney.
Why can't Brazil produce another Ronaldo? Have they lost what made them the world's most feared football nation? Wayne Rooney is joined by Brazil legend Romário to relive the iconic 1994 World Cup triumph, explain why Brazil are still searching for the next great No.9 and reveal why he volunteered to take a penalty in the World Cup final. Romário also names the greatest player he ever saw, agrees with Wayne that modern football has become too tactical and reveals why he'd have loved to play alongside Wayne.
Could an African nation finally win the World Cup? How close did Ghana come to making history? Wayne Rooney and Michael Essien relive glory, heartbreak and unforgettable battles From Ghana's unforgettable rise at the 2006 World Cup to the heartbreak of Luis Suárez's infamous handball in 2010, Michael Essien reflects on carrying the hopes of a nation, the pressure of football's biggest stage and why Ghana still believe their greatest achievement is still to come. The pair also revisit the brutal battles between Manchester United and Chelsea, discuss José Mourinho's winning mentality, and reveal why facing each other was one of the toughest challenges of their careers.
What’s it like to score your country’s first-ever World Cup goal? What separates World Cup winners from everyone else? And can England finally go all the way? Tim Cahill sits down with Wayne to relive Australia’s plucky 2006 World Cup campaign, what life was like under Guus Hiddink and reveals the mentality that took him from Australia to Millwall, Everton and football’s biggest stage. They also debate England’s chances under Thomas Tuchel, why character can matter more than talent at major tournaments and the moments that define careers. Plus, Everton memories, Wayne’s wish that he’d spent longer playing alongside Cahill and life after football.
Gaël Clichy joins Wayne for the latest World Cup debate covering England's hopes, France's expectations and Jordan Henderson's controversial selection. There's also a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappé, with comparisons to an all-time great and a warning that football sometimes does not fully appreciate brilliance until it's gone. This is a fascinating look inside life at a major tournament, with the truth behind France's infamous 2010 World Cup controversy and why modern defenders are struggling. Plus, predictions, dark horses and who could lift the trophy.