Wayne’s Iconic Games, Being The World’s Best & Breaking Records

Wayne is joined by Kelly Somers, Kae Kurd and Adam McKola to look back on some of the most unforgettable matches and moments of his remarkable career.

Wayne reflects on the goal that announced him to the world: his iconic strike for Everton against Arsenal in 2002. He describes the goal from his own perspective, admits how shocked he felt by the sheer size of the Arsenal players in the Goodison Park tunnel, and explains how that moment changed his life.

The conversation then turns to Euro 2004, as Wayne relives his two goals against Croatia and explains why he genuinely felt he was the best player in the world heading into the tournament. From there, the panel revisit Manchester United’s dramatic Champions League final victory over Chelsea in 2008, with Wayne revealing Sir Alex Ferguson’s unforgettable pre-match team talk, why he thought it was all over when John Terry stepped up to take Chelsea’s 5th penalty and how inspiring words from Sir Bobby Charlton convinced him United were destined to lift the trophy. He also shares the story of the cheeky fan who somehow blagged his way onto the pitch and into the post-match party.

Wayne also looks back on United’s astonishing 8-2 win over Arsenal in 2011, revealing how shocked the players were by the scoreline and where his hat-trick ranks among his favourite treble performances. He also reflects on former team-mate Anderson, discussing why the Brazilian’s career perhaps never matched his immense talent.

The episode closes with memories from Wayne’s later United years, including the 2017 draw with Stoke that saw him become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, and why he credits José Mourinho in part for that landmark goal. Wayne debates whether records or trophies matter more, recalls what drove him to win the FA Cup in 2016, and reveals the goalkeeper he once told he would chip, before going out and doing exactly that.

You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, iPlayer, as well as listen on BBC Sounds.