Wayne Rooney’s eldest son is fast becoming one of Manchester United’s standout youth prospects, drawing widespread attention with a viral video that’s been viewed by millions online. The striking resemblance between father and son extends far beyond their looks, as 15-year-old Kai Rooney continues to impress the Red Devils’ fans and coaches alike with his remarkable talent.
This weekend marks a special return for Wayne Rooney himself to Old Trafford, though not in his former role as United’s talismanic striker. Instead, the football icon, now 39, is set to participate in this year’s Soccer Aid charity match, donning a dual hat as both player and coach for the England side. The event brings together a unique blend of celebrities and ex-footballers, all in aid of UNICEF.
Wayne Rooney’s illustrious career with Manchester United spanned thirteen years, during which he became the club’s all-time top goalscorer and lifted a trophy-laden haul that included five Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. After his departure in 2017 for Everton and subsequent retirement, Rooney shifted his focus to management, taking on roles with Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City and, most recently, Plymouth Argyle.
This weekend’s Soccer Aid fixture reunites Rooney with the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, albeit in a new guise. He’ll guide the team from the touchline alongside a coaching ensemble featuring heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, ex-England goalkeeper David James, and actress Vicky McClure. Rooney’s stint as manager for Soccer Aid in 2020 is well-documented, but the presence of Fury this year, as Rooney himself admitted, adds a “fantastic” edge. “I’m a big boxing fan,” he commented, expressing his commitment to both the cause and the competitive spirit of the event.
Even as Wayne Rooney prepares to lace up his boots again for charity, it’s his son Kai who’s been turning heads at the club where his father made history. Kai joined Manchester United’s youth ranks in 2020 and has since developed a reputation for his ruthless finishing. Earlier this year, the young striker was the subject of viral discussion following a scintillating solo goal for the U17s against Real Sociedad. In the widely shared clip, Kai displayed composure and skill — latching onto a long pass, evading defenders with nimble footwork, and slotting coolly past the goalkeeper.
Despite United’s 5-1 defeat in that match, the goal has become a talking point for fans, with more than three million views on social media and renewed predictions that Kai could one day emulate his famous father in United’s first team. The teenager, for his part, credits much of his progress to guidance from his father. “It’s a lot about scoring goals, because he was pretty good at scoring goals. So it’s mainly tips about that,” he recently remarked. Kai also emphasised the importance of mentality as he sets his sights on professional football, and revealed his preferred spot on the pitch, stating, “I’m mainly a striker that scores goals, but I can play on the wing as well.”
Rooney senior has spoken with pride about Kai’s development, maintaining that enjoyment for the game is paramount. “He’s doing everything he can to try to have a career in football and not just him, my other children as well. They love the game and my advice – to any children – is play to enjoy.” Wayne reflected on the pressures that come with professional football, urging young players to remember the passion that initially drew them in.
Kai’s mother, Coleen Rooney, has echoed these sentiments, stressing that their children are encouraged to forge their own paths. She told the Mirror: “We’ve never pressured them into even playing football. We’ve always just let them decide what they want to do… You’ve got to let them know that you don’t have to follow and to be your own person.”
As Wayne Rooney prepares to thrill Old Trafford once again for a good cause, attention remains firmly fixed on the next generation. The emergence of Kai Rooney signifies not just a continuation of a family legacy, but a reminder that football’s magic truly transcends generations. Fans and pundits alike will continue to watch with great interest as the young Rooney carves out his own unique story at Manchester United.