In a surprising revelation on his BBC podcast, football legend Wayne Rooney disclosed that he earned a mere £75 per week when he first burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at Everton. This amount, he noted, was potentially less than what he could have made working at a fast-food chain like McDonald's at the time.
Rooney's Humble Beginnings at Everton
Rooney announced himself to the world with his first Premier League goal at the age of 16, scoring a stunning winner for Everton against Arsenal in 2002. This goal made him the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer at that moment, a memory revived recently by Max Dowman, who broke the record in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton.
However, Rooney highlighted that young footballers are not on substantial salaries before they reach 17, the age when they can sign a professional contract. He explained, "I had a deal with Ford from when I was about 14. Obviously they weren't giving me cars then, but that was for my dad."
The Financial Struggles of a Teenage Star
Rooney added, "When I scored against Arsenal, I think I was on £75 per week, but that was four days before my 17th birthday. When you turn 17, you can sign a professional contract, so I was still on my scholar deal. I used to borrow money off my mum and dad until I signed my pro contract!"
He humorously recalled a moment of youthful optimism, saying, "I remember I went into Audi thinking I was going to get this big Audi, when I was 17 and passed my test, and then remembered I had a deal with Ford!"
Max Dowman's Rise and Comparisons
Rooney's iconic goal against Arsenal, a sumptuous long-range strike into the top corner, set a record that was later surpassed by James Milner at Leeds and James Vaughan of Everton. Now, Max Dowman has taken the top spot as the youngest Premier League goalscorer.
Dowman has since been compared to football greats like Lionel Messi and Kaka, placing considerable hype on the shoulders of a teenager who has not even completed his GCSEs. There is even talk of his potential inclusion in World Cup discussions, reminiscent of Theo Walcott's experience in 2006, which Walcott later admitted was not entirely helpful for his development.
Rooney's Advice for Dowman
Rooney offered cautious advice for Dowman, emphasizing the importance of education. He said, "What an opportunity for him to be around the squad. He's got an aura and a belief about him and it was the same against Everton. But if it's education first, I don't think we'll see much of him over the next few weeks."
He further noted, "He has got his GCSEs, and his education, I'm sure for him and his family, is important as well. He won't be in as much as he'd probably like, but then you've got many years ahead of you."
Looking Ahead for Arsenal and Dowman
Dowman is currently in Year 11 at school, with GCSE exams typically scheduled across May and June. Meanwhile, Arsenal have a busy schedule ahead, with seven more Premier League games, including four in May, and they remain active in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League.
This situation presents a balancing act for the young star, as he navigates the demands of professional football alongside his academic responsibilities. Rooney's insights shed light on the often-overlooked financial realities and pressures faced by teenage football prodigies in the early stages of their careers.
