When a 16 year old rising superstar collected a serve at the top of the 18 yard box, turned and blasted the last minute, game-winning goal off the underside of the crossbar to hand Arsenal its first loss in 31 games, commentator Clive Tyldesley exclaimed, “Remember the name: Wayne Rooney!”
Since then, fans of the England National Team and the English Premier League have had little chance to forget Wayne Rooney. Born in Liverpool’s Croxteth suburb in 1985, Rooney showed promise on the soccer field at an exceptionally early age. Shortly before his 11th birthday he signed to join the youth team of Everton, his favorite club. The youngster wasted no time in amazing fans and it wasn’t long before he was putting his name in the record books. 
When he fired his shot to beat Arsenal, Rooney became the then youngest player ever to score in the Premiership. In addition to that accolade, he was also the youngest player to play for the England National Team when he debuted at 17 and the youngest player to score for the Three Lions. Rooney also became the youngest player to ever wear the captain’s armband for Manchester United when he was only 20 years old.
After scoring a beautiful goal in the FA Youth Cup for Everton once, he lifted his jersey to reveal a shirt that said “Once a Blue, always a Blue.” However, Rooney’s tenure with Everton’s senior team lasted only two years before he demanded to be transferred. Though many Everton fans felt betrayed, a talent like Rooney’s needed to be showcased on a larger stage. Signed by the mighty Manchester United, Rooney made his first appearance in a red jersey on September 28, 2004 in a UEFA Champions League match against top Turkish club Fenerbahçe. To say it was a successful debut is would be a gross understatement: Rooney scored a hat-trick and also registered an assist.
Rooney’s production has certainly been prolific while wearing a Manchester United jersey, including 72 goals in only 173 starts through the end of February, but his time with United has not been completely carefree.
On several occasions Rooney has had difficulty with injury, which disrupted his form and the momentum he had gained from solid play. When he was 18, Rooney scored four goals in the first three games of Euro 2004 but broke a bone in his foot and was sidelined for the rest of the tournament. Before his injury, England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said, “I don’t remember anyone making such an impact on a tournament since Pele in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.” Despite only playing in four games, Rooney still finished with the second highest goal total in the tournament.
Rooney again broke his foot near the end of the 2006 Premier League season in a game against Chelsea and there was doubt he would be able to play in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The progress of his recovery was worthy of front page news. By the time final roster were announced, however he was deemed healthy. Unfortunately, though, he would break his foot again at the beginning of the 2007-2008 Premier League season and suffered a few more nagging pains. Rooney is now healthy, however, and is contributing to Manchester United in a big way.
Unlucky injuries are not the only distractions that Wayne Rooney has had to deal with during his career. When he first started playing professionally he had a reputation as an impulsive hot head, which one can see by looking at the number of bookings he received during his first few years. He also nearly had a falling-out with Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo when, during the 2006 World Cup, Rooney received a red card for stomping on a Portuguese player (he claims it was an accident) and Ronaldo appeared to appeal to the referee to send off his club teammate.
Over the years, though, Rooney has noticeably matured and he has done a much better job keeping his temper in check. Even though he and fiancée Coleen McLoughlin still find themselves in the British tabloids now and then (Coleen is famous for her shopping habits), Rooney’s on field behavior has improved. He does not receive as many yellow cards and is trying to lead by example.
While Wayne Rooney has already received much attention as a fantastic young player, his future seems to be rife with even more possibility. Playing on a talented team like Manchester United and working with his English teammates to bring the Three Lions back to the forefront of international soccer should give him the experience and exposure to become one of the better strikers the game has ever seen.
Comments
yo man i want to be like you except a sweeper i just need the chance like you did
Posted by: kevin karnga | April 13, 2008 10:58 AM
awesome story
Posted by: Jimmy | April 14, 2008 04:39 PM
rooney is a monster on the field im good but not that good a yo rooney hook me up with the white an red lasers 2 come on man im trying to be like u
Posted by: oscar diaz | April 14, 2008 05:59 PM
The New Total90 Laser II look pretty good but kind of weird at the same time.Wayne Rooney is a god player but I think the first T90's look better on him.
Posted by: Curly147 | April 14, 2008 06:42 PM
wayne rooney is a football god he is pure class and plays as if hes playin fifa 08 on ps3 like he can see the enitre feild his only weakness is that he often tries amazing skills infront of goal when a simple side foot would do(ie. this weekend vs Arsenal) however there is no doubting his skill in every game rooney creates at least one or more clear cut scoring chance or produces chances for other players keeping rooney silent is a impossible, he is the worlds best all round footballer being able to play on either flank center attacking mid and centerforward not to mention his best position striker!
Posted by: juice man | April 14, 2008 08:57 PM
Rooney is my hero. he is the best ever.
Posted by: janos | April 15, 2008 09:22 AM
I really respect Rooney bc he works hard on the pitch... if the rest of england played that hard they would be euro2008.
Posted by: devilboy | April 15, 2008 10:06 AM
one word "GREATNESS"
Posted by: Damian | April 15, 2008 10:59 AM
Rooney is good he left ronaldinho behind but he still has to get betr than Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo is going to be awarded the best player of the year and Man U. are taking the champions with him being the scoring leader.
Posted by: Chuy9 | April 15, 2008 04:27 PM
wayne rooney is the best forward the three lions will ever have
Posted by: el chaco | April 15, 2008 07:49 PM
ROENEY YOU ARE THE #1 ABOVE KAKA !!!!!!!
HELL YEAH!!!!!
Posted by: CHELITO19 | April 15, 2008 11:23 PM
Ur freaken Sick dude
Posted by: Javier Mejia (Fig St.) | April 15, 2008 11:52 PM
<3 rooney
hes awesome, i wanna b the girl version of him in the US
Posted by: wishiwuzmiahamm :) | April 16, 2008 08:31 PM
wayne you are a beast, i want to be like you in every way! Some of those new total ninety IIs would be awesome too.
Posted by: rooney's #1 | April 16, 2008 09:15 PM
ur a bad but ronaldinho can beat u any day!!!!!!
Posted by: ricardo | April 17, 2008 01:27 PM
FCB is goin to beat man utd
Posted by: pedro | April 17, 2008 01:28 PM
u rock i think u bend it more than becham ur cleats rock i would like to get some but dont got the money peace
Posted by: carlos & malcolm | April 17, 2008 03:37 PM
u are frikin insane dude! u've got more skill than half of the players on the premier league combined!!!
Posted by: devin | April 17, 2008 03:57 PM
man u are one of the most talented soccer players i've ever saw
Posted by: sheva | April 17, 2008 06:23 PM
Rooney is king. Nobody else can hit the ball with more power and placement. Barca should watch out.
Posted by: penjani c. | April 17, 2008 07:53 PM
Rooney, is my favorite player and have been since you entered the league with Everton. Coaches tell me I play just like you too. I hope i get a chance like he did
Posted by: Stephen | April 18, 2008 10:04 AM
Rooney... the engine that drives Manchester United... C. Ronaldo might get all the press and highlights but its Ronney that is the driving force of that club... His vision, determination, and his love of victory is un-canny... As for his stints with the national team, we are looking at the future captain of England.
Posted by: Geoff | April 19, 2008 07:44 AM
Hey your awesome. Next game score 3 goals for me.You can do it. Visit shelbyville,KY some time.
Posted by: littlezwhittle | April 19, 2008 05:35 PM
You are pretty good but I can think a lot of people better than you. Dont get me wrong though,you are still probably one of the best players in the Premier League.
Posted by: Devin | April 20, 2008 01:48 PM
man u is gonna show fcb how futbol is really played ROONEY is freakin awsome
Posted by: jackson | April 20, 2008 04:56 PM
Rooney is a great soccer player and i have been told i play just like you by the way man u is beat Barcelona 2-0.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 20, 2008 05:01 PM
Man utd is gonna beat FCB
Posted by: Anonymous | April 20, 2008 05:02 PM
He's got messed up teeth
Posted by: Cway | April 20, 2008 07:11 PM
we all know that rooney is a beast with ronaldo in man u but manchester sucks chelsea is gon to be #1 champions cup is goig to stanford bridge.
Posted by: paulo | April 21, 2008 01:11 PM
MANCHESTER UNITED THE BEST TEAM IN ENGLAND
Posted by: Anonymous | April 21, 2008 05:31 PM
man united is aight but chivas can beat them anyday anytime......
Posted by: meow! | April 22, 2008 01:17 PM
wayne rooney is da-beast
Posted by: jesus | April 22, 2008 01:47 PM
FCB is also da-beast
go dekalb high school
Posted by: jesus | April 22, 2008 01:48 PM
I want to be a profressional like you i hope you good luck vs barcelona
Posted by: Jose Vega | April 22, 2008 03:57 PM
Wayne Rooney not one of my favorite players but I give respect to his game and the goals he makes a real good player.
Posted by: Ruben Zuniga | April 23, 2008 11:42 PM
Rooneys beast! No-1 can compete with Rooney! He;s way 2 good!
Posted by: Ricky Salgado | April 24, 2008 08:50 PM
men rooney ur da men i wish i was just like u but 1 day i'm going 2 be it just like did pele i'm going 2 do u. it's going to be peles payback
Posted by: Crisanto | April 25, 2008 10:27 PM
Rooney is the best footballer ever he's my hero no 1 is betta them him!!
Posted by: Johnna | April 26, 2008 03:49 PM
Rooney is the best player to play the best game in the world. I hope I can one day meet him and be inspired by his greatness.
Posted by: Antonio | April 27, 2008 10:46 PM
rooney is the best. fcb sucks. 3rd in Spain? behind Villareal? what is that. ronaldinho is a showoff. hes got no shot. rooney all the way!
Posted by: c+l | April 28, 2008 03:52 PM
where was wayne rooney in the 2nd leg semi final vs barca? fcbs out:( but go liverpool f.torres is da beast,
Posted by: jesus | April 30, 2008 01:31 PM
rooney is my idol. his new lasers are sick. rooney is da king!!!
Posted by: matt | April 30, 2008 08:19 PM
He is an insparation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: lalo | May 2, 2008 05:15 PM
rooney u r way better than Ronaldinho and man u is going to beat chelsea in the finals thats obvious go rooney!
Posted by: Anonymous | May 3, 2008 07:27 PM
Rooney is amazing, i mean come on who can shoot with power and still have accuracy...and if England was in Euro 08 it would probally be mainly because of him
oh yeah by the way
MAN UTD will beat chelsea in the final
Posted by: manutdforever7 | May 4, 2008 12:54 PM
I am a Liverpool boy. but man, i sure have alot of respect for Wayne Rooney. Thats why we have Torres though. But still, Rooney, your the man.
Posted by: thecowboy | May 4, 2008 10:19 PM
man u are the best player iv ever seen play.
you should try out for barcalona
Posted by: kyle | May 8, 2008 05:39 PM
Rooney if it wasn't for u the Red Devils wouldn't be what it is today.
P.S. Say high to C.Ronaldo for me.
Posted by: CR7 | May 9, 2008 03:23 PM
Wayne Rooney I hope u play good against Chelsea in the final.
U bets win "All of ur fans are counting on u".
Hope u and C.Ronaldo lift the Barcley's Premier Cup.
Posted by: CR7 | May 9, 2008 03:28 PM
U played an outstanding game!!!!
Hope u celebrated with all Man U.
Posted by: CR7 | May 12, 2008 12:56 PM
ya ya rooney is a beast yo. and the second lasers are beasin
Posted by: levi rose | May 16, 2008 12:00 PM
yo roohey is the best player probably better than pele
Posted by: smokey | May 20, 2008 12:24 PM
wow at 11 yrs old this astounding lad made to everton!!! what a role madel...
Posted by: leo rubio | May 21, 2008 10:06 PM
Glory Glory Man United, Glory Glory Man United, Glory Glory Man United and the Reds go marching on on on! Absolutely brilliant win in the 2008 Champions League Finals. Champions of England as well. It can't get any better than this. Now if Rooney can be a more consistent goalscorer, he'll fulfill his promise as a great striker. He could learn a thing or two from his team mate Cristiano Ronaldo in scoring. That winger is simply brilliant in front of goal.
Posted by: Alston Lew | May 24, 2008 11:45 PM
yo rooney i think u should try play for Real Madrid...u should huk me up with your new cleats!!!hahaha....
Posted by: Carlos Silva | May 29, 2008 01:55 PM
rooney is the best man hes the bomb as i would say or as my friend would say yeah boy
anyway hes pretty amazing hes #1on my top 10 list
Posted by: rooney#1fan | May 31, 2008 02:15 PM
i love wayne rooney, england, and manchester united! i'm from america and i love watching the english teams play! good job wayne you deserve everything you get!!
Posted by: 7beckham23 | June 4, 2008 02:45 PM
One word OVER-RATED
Posted by: Anonymous | June 4, 2008 03:23 PM
to all the commenters: wayne rooney is definately the third best striker in the world!
1) Fernando Torres
2) Zlatan Ibrohimivic
3) Wayne Rooney
end of story!!!!
PS: rooney is not over-rated mr Anonymous!!!!! u have no idea wat your saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: soccer guru | June 5, 2008 05:49 PM
i love watching wayne Rooney on the field. he is awesome. he is having the ability to turn the face of the game.i love you.
Posted by: krithi | June 8, 2008 12:54 PM
rooney you are the best in the world noooooooooooooooooo one can bet you c.ronaldo is nothing whitout you
Posted by: luis garcia | June 10, 2008 12:14 AM
What you gonna do with it its a life and Rooney is a plain player and you dont have to fevered by him its stupid.Be surprised by me Edgar
Posted by: Edgar | July 5, 2008 03:18 PM
rooneys my hero, I practice hard to be like him.My friends think I'm weird to like him.I don't care about them,hes awsom,peace out.
Posted by: kyle | July 24, 2008 01:31 AM
ya hes okay,and manchester united is the best team in the world
Posted by: m..ch.s.er uni.t.ed | October 20, 2008 07:23 PM
a yo rooney u're trully a red devil punisher in the 16th box of enemy. just go on to shoot
Posted by: joulyn chistofer | November 1, 2008 12:16 AM
Wayne Rooney is a graet player i give him %100 %80 points but i giv C.Ronaldo %100 %100 points Ronaldo is perfect player
Posted by: John | November 1, 2008 12:04 PM
rooney your the best player in the world man i always wanted to get tickets to se man u play but never did dude your a beast i really like the total 90s to there amazing your ay better than cristiano ronaldo no effence though ronaldo you have an amazing volley and shot your best shot i think ever as the one a gainst newcastle and you had the broken foot and nailed it upper ninety amazing
Posted by: rooneys a beast | November 3, 2008 07:57 PM
Posted on Dip the shirt in a solution of 1 cup salt to 1 alglon of water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Wring it out ~ let it air dry to damp ~ then iron it. Then rinse it in cool water and toss in dryer or air dry. That's how I did the Easter egg shirts of my girls about 20 years ago and it worked. I don't know if the easter egg dye formula has changed that much over the years.melody aka baitlady’s last blog post..
Posted by: Niki | March 14, 2012 09:41 AM