Wayne Rooney could be set for a surprising new chapter in his post-football career — as a potential team captain on a revived A Question of Sport.
The former England and Manchester United star stepped into the quiz show spotlight during a special charity edition of the iconic programme, sparking speculation that he may soon make the move into television presenting full-time.
Rooney, 40, joined England cricket legend Jimmy Anderson as rival captains for the live event, held at Cheadle Hulme School in Cheshire — the same school attended by Rooney’s sons Klay, 12, Kit, eight, and Cass, six.
Parents paid to join the teams as part of a £5million fundraising campaign for the school.
Hosted by MUTV presenter Helen Evans, the evening saw Rooney and Anderson trade banter, share stories from their glittering sporting careers, and lead their teams through a series of sports-themed questions in front of a packed audience.
A source close to the event told The Sun: “Tickets sold out quickly after word got round that Wayne was going to appear.
"He and Jimmy were brilliant and had the audience in stitches. Wayne showed great wit and confidence — he was a natural on stage.”
Wayne Rooney won five Premier League titles during his playing days
| GBNEWS/GETTY/PA
A Question of Sport was scrapped by the BBC two years ago
| BBCThe charity edition has reignited fond memories of the long-running BBC quiz show, which was shelved in 2023 after more than 50 years on air.
Once hosted by Sue Barker and famed for its friendly sporting rivalries, A Question of Sport remains one of the BBC’s most missed entertainment programmes - with many unhappy that it was removed.
Rooney’s appearance comes amid a growing focus on his media career.
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Wayne Rooney has been a regular on Match of the Day this season
| BBCThe football legend, who recently joined the Match of the Day punditry panel and launched his own podcast, has reportedly enjoyed the transition away from the dugout following managerial spells at Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
A source added: “Wayne is quite introverted by nature, but he’s really taken to broadcasting.
“He’s enjoying showing a lighter side of himself. If the BBC ever decides to bring A Question of Sport back, he’d definitely be up for it.”
While there has been no official word from the BBC about reviving the show, Rooney’s natural rapport with fans and his easygoing humour could make him an appealing choice to front a modern version.
Meanwhile, former A Question of Sport host Paddy McGuiness previously admitted to being 'devastated' that the programme was axed.
When quizzed on his feelings by Gary Neville, he said: "Oh my God. Absolutely devastated [that it was cancelled].
Paddy McGuinness previously admitted he was 'devastated' by the BBC's decision to axe Match of the Day
|GETTY
"It's like in management, football, you go in, do your best, and that's that.
"But telly, you can be involved with a show and it'll run and run, or it'll finish and you move on, that's just the nature of the beast.
"But when Question of Sport, when they stopped it - and honestly think whether it's captains, me, whatever it is, whatever the reason, they say it's budget stuff, but it's all kind of stuff - I just think, it's going to come back.
"Because I'm a fan of it."
He added: "It's one of those ones where it's a heritage show - it's like Match of the Day, I know other football shows are available - but there are certain shows you watch and you go, "god". When I got that call I never hesitated.
"I loved it, and I really hope, whether it's me or anyone else, it comes back."