119 England games
Wayne Rooney joins the Black-and-Red as the most-capped field player in England’s history (119 appearances), trailing only goalkeeper Peter Shilton (125) in total caps for the Three Lions. The striker made his first national team appearance on Feb. 12, 2003, against Australia. Rooney made his international debut as a 17-year-old when he subbed on for Michael Owen, but the English ultimately fell 3-1 to the Aussies.
On Nov. 11, 2016, Rooney played his final match with England as the Three Lions faced Scotland. The legend bowed out from international play on a high note, with England dominating the Scots 3-0. Rooney also tallied an assist in his last national team appearance, sending in a cross to goalscorer Gary Cahill in the 61st minute.
779 total games
Rooney has featured in 779 total games throughout his career between the England national team, Manchester United, and Everton. With 491 English Premier League matches played, Rooney is tied for 15th in total EPL appearances all-time.
53 England goals
United’s newest goalscorer also comes to the District as England’s leading goalscorer all-time. Rooney overtook Sir Bobby Charlton (49 goals) on Sept. 8, 2015, against Switzerland.
In addition, the Englishman holds the honor of being the youngest-ever goalscorer for England. Rooney bagged his first goal for the Three Lions in a 2-1 win over Macedonia in a UEFA European Qualifier on Sept. 6, 2003, at just 17 years and 317 days old.
Rooney scored his 53rd and final goal for England on June 27, 2016, against Iceland. The striker gave England a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot in the 4th minute, but Iceland responded with two first-half goals of their own to secure the 2-1 victory.
6 seasons as England’s leading goalscorer
Rooney scored more goals than any other Three Lions player during six seasons in his international career. The striker led the way with nine goals in 2003-2004, 10 goals in 2008-2009, seven goals in 2012-2013, four goals in 2013-2014, eight goals in 2014-2015, and five goals in 2015-2016.
208 EPL goals
In addition to being England’s all-time leading goalscorer, Rooney also comes to D.C. as the English Premier League’s second all-time leading goalscorer with 208 strikes in 491 appearances with Manchester United and Everton. Only Alan Shearer (260 goals with Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United) has scored more in the EPL.
Rooney didn’t just accumulate goals during his time in Europe, though. The striker ranks first all-time in shots by more than 350 (1,237 total shots), and is third all-time in assists (103).
253 Manchester United goals
Another broken record to add to the list—Rooney is also the all-time leading goalscorer for Manchester United.
Rooney served as the spark for the Red Devils during his 13 seasons in Manchester, racking up 253 goals and 146 assists in 559 appearances.
5 Premier League titles
The striker’s finesse in the final third and talent for finding the back of the net helped push Manchester United toward unprecedented levels of success during his run with the Red Devils. Rooney and Manchester United secured the Premier League title in the 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2010-2011, and 2012-2013 seasons.
Rooney captured 16 total trophies during his time at Manchester United, including five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
16 seasons in top flight of English soccer
Rooney spent 16 seasons in the top flight of English soccer, playing 101 games with Everton and 559 games with Manchester United.
Now, Rooney joins his new United side with world-class experience, lethal scoring ability, and the poise of a veteran leader, priming the icon to make an immediate impact in the District and at Audi Field.
