You might have steered your pub quiz team to a victory based on your knowledge of the beautiful game alone (thanks for the £50 bar tab, by the way), but you’ve never actually been inside the corridor when the team is debriefing. And that’s a tough pill to swallow.
But what if I told you that the BBC is changing all of that with a new show that dives into all things football, headed up by one of the greats?
Yep, they’ve launched a visualised podcast hosted by none other than Wayne Rooney. We all know him, we all love him, and we’re all gagging to know what actually went down in his ridiculously decorated career. And let’s be honest, who better to take us through football highlights week by week than the man who scored a whopping 250 goals for Manchester United, and was the cover of FIFA for seven years straight?!
The Wayne Rooney Show is the new, twice-weekly football podcast hosted by none other than the man himself, alongside presenter Kelly Somers and comedian Kae Kurd on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer.
(That’s right, the podcast has both audio and video options. So whether you’re on the go and just want to listen, or prefer to sit in front of the telly and properly dive in, the BBC’s got you sorted.)
The show dives into all of Wayne’s most raw and unfiltered opinions on today’s players, games, and controversies - paired, of course, with a lot of wild stories and shenanigans over the football legend’s career.
So whether you’re listening on your way to the pub to watch the game, or out on a muddy October walk (don’t forget your warm-up first though, it’s getting chilly out there), there’s nothing better to make you feel like you and Wayne are kicking back and having it large like old mates. The first episode even kicks off in his gaff, and Kae casually drops that he had a kickabout in the garden before they started recording! That’s gotta be one to tick off the bucket list….we’re not jealous at all.
It’s not just football banter, though. On the show, Wayne opens up about the tough topics too - like attempted home invasions, calling out racism in football, and the devastation of losing Ricky Hatton. Each episode - completely unscripted - covers a range of topics, from light to heavier, and always leaves you feeling like you’ve put the world to rights.
It’s not just Wayne that’ll be taking you through everything football; the legend is joined by some of football’s biggest names, like Shaun Wright-Phillips. And remember that Wayne’s been a footballer since the wee age of 16, and made an entire generation of kids fall in love with football - he’s got more football anecdotes than your granddad!
So if you’ve been dying to know a bit more about Wayne’s beef with Sol Campbell, grudge matches, World Cup memories, or Wayne’s unfiltered opinions on new stars like Grealish and Saka, this is the place to find it.
But don’t worry, it won’t all be Reds hero worship. Wayne talks transfers, clubs that are impressing him, what happens inside the dressing room and what footballers are really like outside the sport. So actually, if you love or hate the game, there’s something in it for you
What fans are loving about The Wayne Rooney Show
Fans are loving getting a peek behind the curtain with The Wayne Rooney Show, praising its hot takes and incisive football commentary - even on the decline of Man U!
“Spot on Wayne,” one fan said.
“Well said @WayneRooney” commented another.
"Rooney drops truth — Manchester United’s issues plain for all to see,” one particularly opinionated listener added.
One fan commended the show’s ability to tackle tough topics.
“The humility and honesty on this man.” one listener commented.
And others praised the show’s laugh-out-loud moments.
“So funny hahaha legend!” one commented.
Even Wayne’s famous mates took to social media to support the show:
“Love it!” said football legend Rio Ferdinand
“Looks great champ.. Well done and wishing ya’s all well” said boxing icon Tony Bellew.
So if you’re looking for something to binge before the World Cup next year - and fancy sharpening up your skills as a footie commentator, The Wayne Rooney Show’s got you sorted. But hey, if the show leads to more arguments in your group chat, we can’t take responsibility - that one’s on you.
Featured Image Credit: BBC
Thomas Thorn