Wayne Rooney cuts alcohol and negotiates jungle reality show By Thiago Lemos
2 min read
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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney began a clean lifestyle change away from football pitches on September 21, 2026. At age 40, the former striker stopped consuming alcohol, entered advanced talks to join a major British television reality series and secured a new presenting project on the BBC.
The former forward initially ceased drinking alcohol to reach optimal physical condition for his punditry role covering the World Cup with the BBC.
He chose to remain sober. Positive personal results led him to maintain that lifestyle while negotiating his entry into I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, an entertainment show that combines jungle survival and camp confinement.
If contracts are finalised, the sportsman will follow the path of his wife, Coleen Rooney. She competed in the 2024 series and secured second place. Her husband aims to match or exceed that finish while demonstrating his resilience across trial challenges to their four children.
His television expansion includes hosting Can You Beat Wayne Rooney?, a quiz series where sports and entertainment figures test their football knowledge against him.
“Anyone who knows me knows I am competitive, whether on a football pitch, playing padel, on the golf course or even rowing on the Hudson River,” Rooney said. He stated that every guest will arrive believing they can beat him, adding that he genuinely dislikes losing.
This move into broadcasting follows multiple managerial appointments across professional football. After retiring as an active player in 2021, Rooney managed Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle. His dugout tenure with Plymouth Argyle concluded in December 2024.
Rooney stands among the most celebrated figures in the records of Manchester United. Having joined Manchester United from Everton in 2004, the striker spent 13 seasons at the club before departing in 2017 as the all-time leading goalscorer with 253 goals across all competitions while lifting five Premier League trophies and the 2007/08 Champions League title.
