Wayne Rooney, now 41, is still remembered as one of the greatest champions of English football, with a career that spanned club Everton, Manchester United and the national team. His debut as a promising young player in 2002 marked the beginning of a legend that dominated European football for over twenty years.
In 2004, Rooney was bought by Manchester United for £20m plus a £7m bonus, which was much higher at the time than transfers today. Since then he has become a key figure for the Red Devils, contributing to five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Champions League, a Europa League and a Club World Cup. His ability to score and create opportunities made him a point of reference for the team, especially during the 2009-10 season, when the club was in the Champions League final and Rooney was considered indispensable.
However, 2010 was a turning point. During the quarter-final match against Bayern Munich, Rooney suffered an ankle injury, which kept him off the pitch for a long period. The episode prevented Manchester United from qualifying for the semi-finals and limited Rooney's career at a time when he was at the peak of his performances. Despite this, his list of achievements remains impressive, with five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Champions League, a Europa League and a Club World Cup.
Despite the successes, Rooney has made clear his respect for rivals, particularly Manchester City. He said he would not feel comfortable "winning championships by default" against them, stressing that City had worked hard to get their titles. “If I found out that United had done the same thing and taken the title away from me, I would be totally devastated,” he explained, highlighting his honesty and desire to deserve every success.
Today, as he celebrates his 41st birthday, Rooney remains an iconic football figure, remembered for his skill, leadership and ability to overcome adversity. With his experience and vision of the game, he continues to inspire new generations of footballers and contribute to the global football landscape.