Wayne Rooney has been named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards, the organisation announced. The former Manchester United and England captain received the accolade in recognition of his work as a football analyst.
The Broadcast Sport Awards are regarded as a significant honour within the sports media industry, and the pundit of the year prize singles out on-air analysis and commentary. Rooney's win was widely noted in coverage of the ceremony, with some observers describing the accolade as a rebuke to critics who had questioned his move into broadcasting.
Rooney's transition from elite player to media figure has attracted attention since he retired from professional football. The award reflects a positive appraisal of his contributions in the studio and demonstrates a continuing public interest in the perspectives of former top-level players.
The recognition at the Broadcast Sport Awards adds to Rooney's high-profile post-playing career and underscores the growing role former athletes play in sports coverage. Organisers said the awards aim to celebrate excellence in sports broadcasting and production, and Rooney's punditry was judged outstanding among the contenders.