LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 28: (EXCLUSIVE ACCESS) Wayne Rooney attends The British Boxing Awards 2025 at The Langham Hotel on March 28, 2025 in London, England. (Footage by Ming Yeung/Getty Images)
A familiar headline has resurfaced around Wayne Rooney — but this time, it’s off the pitch.
The former Manchester United F.C. captain was reportedly spotted out drinking until 3:25am at a pre-Brit Awards party in Manchester, sparking chatter among onlookers and tabloid readers alike.
Rooney, 40, was said to have attended a star-studded bash at a luxury hotel ahead of the ceremony at Co-op Live. His wife, Coleen Rooney, was not present.
With no punditry commitments scheduled during the latest round of Premier League fixtures, Rooney had time away from his television roles with outlets such as BBC Sport and Amazon Prime Video.
The Manchester United legend — still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer — remains a major figure at Old Trafford, while eldest son Kai continues his development in the academy system.
Having delayed a return to management following difficult spells at Birmingham and Plymouth, Rooney has been focusing on media duties in recent months.
This latest appearance came as the Brit Awards were hosted outside London for the first time, drawing a host of celebrities to Manchester.
According to reports, Rooney was initially seen socialising with singer Calum Scott before later being joined by a male friend and two women.
Onlookers claimed he appeared to have been drinking and stayed at the venue for around two hours before leaving shortly after 3:25am. Witnesses described him as laughing and chatting, though some suggested he looked “worse for wear” as the night progressed.
Reports also noted that he departed separately from one of the women seen at the event.
Rooney’s private life has often attracted headlines, particularly given past, well-documented controversies. He has previously spoken openly about struggles with alcohol and credited Coleen with helping him stay grounded.
In past interviews, Rooney admitted that there were moments when he “went too far” and struggled to open up about personal challenges. He has described Coleen as a stabilising force over their 20-plus-year relationship.
Coleen herself has acknowledged that their marriage has faced difficult periods but emphasised the strength of their bond and commitment as a family.
For many fans, Rooney remains defined by his extraordinary football legacy:
Manchester United’s record scorer
Former England captain
One of the Premier League’s most iconic forwards
But life after football often unfolds under a different spotlight — one that can magnify even routine nights out.
Whether this latest episode becomes just another fleeting tabloid moment or sparks deeper conversation remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: when it comes to Wayne Rooney, attention is never far away.
At Sports Market International, we cover football culture on and off the pitch — with context, balance, and insight.
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