In a shocking turn of events, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reportedly filed for divorce from his wife of 16 years, Coleen Rooney, marking the end of one of football’s most high-profile marriages. The couple, who met as teenagers in Liverpool and tied the knot in a lavish 2008 ceremony in Portofino, Italy, have faced numerous challenges over the years, but this development signals a definitive break.
The Rooneys’ marriage has long been under public scrutiny, with Wayne’s off-field antics repeatedly making headlines. From his 2004 admission of visiting prostitutes as a teenager to the 2010 scandal involving paid encounters while Coleen was pregnant with their first son, Kai, the couple has weathered significant storms. The most notable incident came in 2017 when Wayne was arrested for drink-driving while with Laura Simpson, a woman he met during a night out, prompting Coleen to temporarily leave their family home. Despite these incidents, Coleen, a devout Catholic and mother to their four sons—Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, 8, and Cass, 6—chose to stay, emphasizing her commitment to family and love for Wayne in her 2023 Disney+ documentary, *Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story*.
Sources close to the couple suggest that Wayne’s latest filing stems from ongoing tensions, exacerbated by his recent professional setbacks, including his departure as manager of Plymouth Argyle in December 2024. Reports indicate that Coleen, who remained in Cheshire with their children during Wayne’s tenure in Plymouth, grew increasingly concerned about his behavior while apart. A 2024 report from *Heat* magazine claimed Coleen enlisted a family member to monitor Wayne, reflecting her fragile trust following past betrayals. Despite efforts to maintain their relationship through “ground rules” like regular date nights, as noted in a 2021 *Liverpool Echo* article, the cumulative strain appears to have taken its toll.
Coleen, who gained widespread acclaim for her “Wagatha Christie” sleuthing in exposing Rebekah Vardy’s media leaks, has remained a pillar of resilience. In a 2023 *Vogue* interview, she spoke candidly about their struggles, stating, “If the love is gone, it’s pointless. But if not, you’ve got something to work for.” However, Wayne’s reported feelings of relief at the prospect of divorce, as mentioned in a 2019 *Mirror* article, suggest he may have reached a breaking point.
The financial implications of the divorce could be significant, with estimates from 2017 *Sporting News* suggesting Coleen could claim up to £50 million of Wayne’s £100 million fortune. The couple’s shared assets, including properties in Cheshire and the U.S., will likely complicate proceedings. Their four sons remain a priority, with Coleen emphasizing family unity in her 2024 *I’m A Celebrity* appearance.
As the Rooneys navigate this new chapter, fans and media alike are left reflecting on a relationship that endured public scandals but ultimately could not overcome its challenges. Neither Wayne nor Coleen has publicly commented on the filing, leaving the football world awaiting further details on this high-stakes split.
