Kai Rooney showed his dramatic transformation as he bids to comeback stronger from injury for Manchester United in what could prove to be a huge season for the 16-year-old footballer
He might be following in his dad’s footsteps, but Wayne Rooney’s son is proving he is his own man. Kai, 16, showed off his changing physique as he set about realising his own football future.
The youngster shared snaps from a gym session, wearing a vest, beanie hat, and tracksuit shorts. The Manchester United youth team star took to his Instagram Stories to share his progression.
It comes months after he was ruled out for the season due to injury. He had recently made his debut for the Red Devils’ under-18s team.
At the time, he wrote: “‘Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season.” And it appears as though he is sticking to his word. He will be hoping for a breakthrough season, with next summer marking his eligibility for his first professional contract.
But followers online couldn’t believe that the images were of Kai. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “Damn how did we get from this to that in 3 months, this kid wants to oppress defenders like his father did.”
Kai signed with Triple S Sports in March to help focus on his career. The agency is owned by Paul Stretford, who secured his dad Wayne’s signature when he starred for Everton aged 17.
Kai could write his name into the Manchester United history books and become their youngest player to ever play in the Premier League era. Currently, the honour belongs to Shola Shoretire, who appeared in the 2020/21 season at the age of 17 years and 19 days.
The teen could beat his dad’s 24-year-old record, which set him on the path to stardom. Wayne burst onto the scene with Everton at the age of 16 years and 297 days old. He went on to score the winning goal against Arsenal back in August 2002.
Parents Coleen and Wayne regularly watch on from the stands to cheer on Kai. But Coleen previously revealed they often struggle to go incognito.
Shedding light on the difficulties they face when attending his fixtures, Coleen said in 2024: “Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games when he played grassroots tournaments and stuff, because he used to get swarmed, and he couldn’t even watch the game.
“How do you say to all of these kids, ‘Go away, I’m watching my son?'”
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