Excessive alcohol consumption
“Would be dead”: United legend Rooney reveals problems
25.09.2025 – 9:39 a.m.Reading time: 1 min.
For years he was the face of English football – but privately Wayne Rooney fought serious problems. Now the ex-striker opens.
Former English football star Wayne Rooney spoke openly about his many years of alcohol problems and emphasized that his wife Coleen saved his life. “I honestly think if she hadn’t been there, I would be dead,” said the 39-year-old in the podcast of his former teammate Rio Ferdinand.
Rooney, with 253 goals of a record goal from Manchester United, said: “I just drank two days throughout, then went to training, scored two goals at the weekend – and then drank for two days.” In earlier interviews, he had referred to himself as a “binge drinker” when he saw and did not see himself as an alcoholic.
For a long time he didn’t want to let anyone look into his interior. Talks and the support of his wife had helped him deal with the problem. “She keeps me in this way – and for more than 20 years,” said the former striker.
Coleen Rooney has been by his side for over two decades – the couple has been married since 2008. After the end of his active professional career, Rooney switched to the coaching business. Most recently, he looked after the English second division club Plymouth Argyle, where his commitment ended in 2024.