Wayne Rooney’s glow-up made its red-carpet debut on Tuesday night, when the former England captain joined his wife, Coleen Rooney, at London’s Picturehouse Central for the premiere of their Disney+ reality series, The Real Rooneys.
The 40-year-old appeared noticeably slimmer, with longer hair, a clean-shaven face and a fresher complexion. The overall effect recalled his younger Manchester United years, albeit with a better suit and considerably more professional grooming.
It was another striking change for Rooney, who once joked about being compared with Shrek. These days, the comparisons are rather more flattering.
What has Wayne Rooney changed?
Fans first began commenting on Rooney’s appearance during his work as a BBC pundit at the World Cup. His new look attracted particular attention during England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo, when viewers remarked on his weight loss, thicker hair and healthier appearance.
The transformation apparently involved more than favourable studio lighting. Reports say Rooney has made several lifestyle changes, including:
- Significantly reducing his alcohol intake
- Following a diet based on balancing protein, carbohydrates and fats
- Paying closer attention to his clothes
- Working with a stylist for television appearances
- Growing his hair and shaving off his beard
Rooney reportedly adopted a macro-based diet, which focuses on the proportion of major nutrients eaten each day rather than calorie counting alone.
He has also sharpened his wardrobe since becoming a regular television pundit and joining the BBC’s Match of the Day in 2025. A source previously told the Daily Mail that Rooney had grown up wearing tracksuits and still liked them, but accepted they were not always ideal for television. Apparently even elite footballers eventually meet a dress code they cannot dribble around.
Why did Rooney have surgery on his nose?
Rooney’s appearance at the premiere also showed the results of nose surgery he underwent earlier in the summer. He said the procedure followed two breaks during his playing career.
Wearing a navy suit beside Coleen, he appeared fully recovered from the operation. The clean-shaven look also marked a clear change from the full beard and closely cropped hair he wore at the premiere of Coleen’s earlier Disney+ programme, The Real Wagatha Story.
His hair has already had a long and unusually public medical history. Rooney previously confirmed that he underwent two hair transplants, reportedly costing £30,000, after beginning to lose his hair at 25.
Unlike many public figures, he did not pretend the results came from drinking more water or discovering a miraculous shampoo. He has spoken openly about the procedures, making his changing hairline one of the more thoroughly documented parts of his post-football life.
Has Wayne Rooney stopped drinking alcohol?
The more significant change may be Rooney’s reported decision to step away from alcohol as he builds a more lucrative television career.
He has previously spoken candidly about his difficult relationship with drinking and credited Coleen with helping him through those problems. A source said her main concern had been his wellbeing, adding: “That cycle has stopped. Wayne has cut down on his drinking and the results are incredible.”
Reports differ on whether he has stopped drinking entirely or reduced his intake substantially. Either way, those close to him have linked the change to his weight loss and healthier appearance.
Viewers noticed. One Instagram user said Rooney looked “a lot healthier and younger than previous years” during the World Cup coverage. Another wrote: “You have lost so much weight Wayne. You look amazing.” A third kept the analysis brief: “Looking great Wayne!”
The response suggests his lifestyle changes have been rather more visible than the standard celebrity announcement about feeling better than ever.
Could Rooney join I’m A Celebrity?
Rooney’s television plans may extend beyond football analysis and the family’s new Disney+ series. He is reportedly in advanced discussions about joining ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Coleen reached the final of the reality competition two years ago. Reports claim her husband now sees the jungle as his “ideal show” and is interested in taking on its Bushtucker Trials, with Coleen supporting the idea.
His competitive streak would hardly be a surprise after a career at Everton, Manchester United and England. Whether it translates to calmly handling insects and questionable meals is another matter.
For now, Wayne and Coleen are focused on The Real Rooneys, which will give viewers another look at their family life. His new appearance is likely to become part of the conversation, even if the series has rather more to offer than an extended inspection of his hair, nose and tailoring.
