Kai Rooney is following in his dad Wayne’s footsteps by hitting a big Man Utd milestone, even as a tough situation unfolds.
Wayne Rooney’s 16-year-old son, Kai, took a big step toward joining Manchester United’s first team on Friday (October 16) by making his debut for the club’s Under-21 squad.
Kai, the oldest of Wayne’s four sons, will turn 17 in November. That means he could soon sign a professional contract with Old Trafford and follow in his dad’s footsteps. When Wayne was Kai’s age, he was already making waves by scoring against Arsenal’s legendary goalkeeper David Seaman while playing for Everton.
Kai is clearly on the right path in his career. He made his first appearance for United’s Under-21s in a match against Nottingham Forest. He came on as a substitute in the 77th minute when the score was 2-2. Unfortunately, Forest scored late to win 3-2. This game came just three days after Kai’s UEFA Youth League debut against Atletico Madrid Under-19s.
Back in February, reports said Kai was offered a one-year scholarship with the chance to move on to a three-year professional deal worth around £50,000 a year plus a signing bonus. But Kai seemed to laugh off those reports on Instagram, writing: “Don’t listen to mail [laughing emojis].”
Kai has been with United since he was 11. His teammates include the young talent JJ Gabriel and Michael Carrick’s son, Jacey.
Because he’s Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai has drawn more attention than most kids in the academy. Wayne has warned about people who might try to use Kai’s name for their own gain.
“We know who Kai’s real friends are,” Wayne told The Guardian. “If suddenly a lot of people start hanging around him, we’ll notice. I’m not saying he can’t make new friends… but we’re careful.”
In the Disney+ series The Rooneys, Wayne said, “Kai wants to build his own legacy, and I’ll always be there to support him. I don’t want him to get a scholarship or contract just because of me — I want it to be because of his own hard work. It’s something he’s dreamed of, and I’ll be really proud when he achieves it.”
Wayne also has three other sons with his wife, Coleen — Klay, Kit, and Cass. When asked if all his boys might become footballers, Wayne replied, “I don’t know.” Kit and Cass are showing promise, and Klay is also part of United’s academy.
Kai’s journey is just getting started, and it’s exciting to see where his talent and hard work will take him!