Wayne Rooney, the former England and Manchester United football star, has opened up about his past struggles with alcohol and the pressure that contributed to his behavior. The 40-year-old, now a football pundit and retired player, spoke candidly about his journey from heavy drinking and personal challenges to a more open and communicative approach with his wife, Coleen Rooney.
Rooney’s public history with alcohol includes several incidents that affected his career and personal life. In 2017, he received a two-year driving ban and a substantial fine from his club related to drink-driving offenses. The following year, he was fined again after being drunk and verbally abusive at Washington Dulles Airport in the United States. Reflecting on his younger years, Rooney admitted to visiting prostitutes, attributing these actions to immaturity and youth.
He acknowledges that much of his drinking stemmed from the intense pressure he experienced during his playing career. Rooney said he often bottled up his emotions rather than discussing them with Coleen, or even with his then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “At the time, you don’t realise you’re feeling the pressure as much as I probably was,” he explained. He also revealed that the culture around speaking openly about mental health and stress has improved in professional football since his playing days, making it easier for current players to seek help.
Rooney spoke about how in his heaviest drinking phases, he would consume alcohol for two days straight before training or matches and then continue drinking afterward. He credits his wife with playing a crucial role in turning his life around, stating, “I honestly believe if she [Coleen] wasn’t there, I’d be dead.” The couple is raising four children—Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, 8—and both Rooney and Coleen plan to be honest with them about his past mistakes.
The family’s life will soon be visible to a wider audience with the premiere of their Disney+ reality series, The Real Rooneys, set for release on Thursday. The show aims to provide a glimpse into their lives away from the public eye.
In their family home in Cheshire, Coleen takes on a central role, particularly in managing family outings. Rooney described how, when Coleen goes out, she manages the household and social events responsibly, while his own outings have historically been described as “mayhem” by his wife. Reflecting candidly, Rooney said that previously he often masked his struggles with alcohol and emotional issues but now feels more comfortable sharing his feelings openly within his family.
Overall, Rooney’s reflections highlight the challenges professional athletes can face with mental health and substance use, while also underscoring the importance of support systems and openness in overcoming such difficulties.