Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has lifted the lid on his alcohol addiction, admitting that he could have died were it not for the intervention of his wife, Coleen.
Rooney’s legacy
Undoubtedly one of the greatest players of his generation, Rooney burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at Everton.
He went on to join United and enjoyed a stellar and trophy-laden career with the club. He continues to be United’s record goalscorer and previously held the same distinction for England until Harry Kane overtook him.
Rooney helped the Red Devils to five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups, a Champions League title, a UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Super Cup.
Gaining fame at such a young age, coupled with immense talent, inevitably brought significant pressure and public scrutiny on Rooney.
Appearing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Rooney revealed that he struggled with alcohol to the point of hiding his drinking from Sir Alex Ferguson by putting eye drops in and chewing gum during training.
Rooney opens up on battle with alcoholism
Rooney said, “I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and having a night out. It got to a point where I went too far, of course it did.”
“That was a moment in my life where I was struggling massively. With alcohol. Massively struggling and I didn’t think I could turn to anyone. I didn’t really want to, because I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone. I remember going into training and putting eyes drops in, chewing gum.”
“I just drank for two days straight. Go training and at the weekend, I’d scored two goals and then I’d go back and go and drink for two days straight again.”
Rooney told Ferdinand that Coleen saved his life.
“Coleen is massive. It’s bad because we’re two kids from Croxteth, and then we grew up together and obviously we started dating and got married and have kids.”
“But when I was 17 she could see, she knew my mind and she knew I was a bit out there.”
“I honestly believe if she weren’t there I’d be dead…”
Wayne Rooney opens up on his off-field issues at #MUFC and how wife Coleen has got him through his darkest days.
Watch the full @RioMeets interview: https://t.co/vcbPTbM43i pic.twitter.com/vSeVFwk1dT
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 24, 2025
He continued, “You know, I loved my football. I was obsessed with football, but also I loved a night out or whatever going out. She’s seen it very early on, and she’s controlled that. Well, not controlled, but helped me control that massively. And at times you’re like, ‘what are you doing? Why do you keep saying don’t do this or don’t do that?’ I honestly believe if she wasn’t there I’d be dead. I believe that.”
“I’ve made mistakes in the past, which are well documented and whatever, but I’m a little bit different at times and she keeps me on that path. She’s done it for 20-odd years.”
Still a recognised name in football, Rooney now lends his voice to punditry, offering influential commentary, especially on the English game.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
