Old Trafford, Sunday 15 June 2025 — In a dazzling return to the Theatre of Dreams, Wayne Rooney reminded the football world why he’s a legend. Coming out of retirement as England player-manager alongside Tyson Fury for Soccer Aid, Rooney stunned fans by netting the fastest goal in the event’s history — just four minutes in — capitalizing on a defensive miscue from Edwin van der Sar (thesun.co.uk).
Battling issues, the England XI surged ahead: Toni Duggan doubled the lead before half-time, and Jermain Defoe struck after the break — making Rooney’s side 3–0 up. Rooney himself would slip in England’s fourth, reclaiming the spotlight (independent.co.uk).
But drama rocked Old Trafford as World XI’s Carlos Tevez stormed back, netting four times to level the score at 4–4. Then, with six minutes left, Big Zuu sealed a 5–4 comeback for the World XI (independent.co.uk). Despite the defeat, no one left unimpressed: £15.28 million was raised for UNICEF (thesun.co.uk).
HIGHLIGHTS – Soccer Aid 2025 | England v World XI – YouTube
Why Rooney Still Captivates
- Club icon & record‑breaker – With 183 Premier League goals for Manchester United (second-highest for a single club) and club-record 253 total goals, Rooney stands as United’s all-time leading scorer (en.wikipedia.org).
- England’s talisman – Amassing 53 goals in 120 caps, Rooney held England’s top scorer title until 2023, and remains one of the nation’s most capped outfield players (en.wikipedia.org).
- Trophy-laden career – Over 16 major honours — including Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, League Cup, and World Club Cup — speak volumes about his impact (en.wikipedia.org).
- From phenomenon to pundit/manager – Roaming from breakout at Everton (debut at 16) to stardom, management stints, and now TV punditry, Rooney’s career remains as dynamic as his play.
A Night to Remember
Though Soccer Aid is a charity fixture, Rooney’s performance felt genuine — a reminder that his instincts remain razor-sharp. His lightning strike, early leadership, and electric presence rekindled memories of peak years while showcasing his enduring clutch-factor.
Even in defeat, Rooney’s impact resonated: he led, scored, inspired, and helped generate millions for a vital cause. That rare blend of legacy, skill, and heart is what makes Rooney Rooney — a name forever etched into football lore.
Hello, I am Harlee Wilkinson. I like art, culture, and famous history. I write about cool stories about well-known stuff. Come with me to explore the interesting world of famous things!