Wayne Rooney was one of the most gifted English footballers of his generation, a ferociously talented forward who burst onto the scene as a teenager at Everton before a long, glittering career at Manchester United. Powerful, technically superb and blessed with vision, he could play as an out-and-out striker or drop deep to create.
He won multiple league titles and the Champions League at United and became the club’s all-time leading scorer, producing moments of brilliance including a celebrated overhead kick in the Manchester derby.
He also became England’s record goalscorer, a mark that stood for years. Later spells at Everton, in Major League Soccer and at Derby County preceded a move into management, closing a career defined by talent and longevity.