Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Sunday, January 18, 2026, 3:17 p.m. / Updated Sunday, January 18, 2026, 3:18 p.m.
The former striker of the England national team, Wayne Rooney, confessed that he cannot hear in his left ear. He became deaf due to an accident on vacation!
Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer told the BBC's 'Match of the Day' backstage that he can't hear in his left ear. Nevertheless, the station agreed to collaborate with him and pays him very well – reveals the British tabloid The Sun.
Wayne Rooney: 'The problem is I'm deaf in my left ear'
The former England international needs special training. He must be fitted for a helmet before appearing on live broadcasts and is careful to ensure that the equipment is always placed on the right side of his head. He would not be able to interact properly with the presenters if he was seated on the left side.
In a behind-the-scenes video revealing the work of those involved in making 'Match of the Day', Rooney can be heard telling team members as he prepares to go on air: “Can I do this in my ear? I used to turn off the talkback. The problem is that I am deaf in my left ear. So when it's too loud, I struggle to hear what Kelly Cates (no – presenter) or anyone else is saying.”
He needed 45 stitches after slipping on a yacht
There is absolutely no official word on how Rooney lost his hearing in his left ear, but it is known that he required 45 stitches in that area of his head after glided onto a luxury yacht on the French Riviera while enjoying a vacation in 2009.
At the time, Rooney was a superstar playing for Manchester United and England. The former big striker spent 13 memorable years at 'Old Trafford', scoring 253 goals and winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League.
