Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney showed the ultimate sign of respect for four standout icons from the world of sports.
The 40-year-old former Manchester United captain is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League strikers of all time after his sensational playing career.
While he does not make the debate for the ‘football GOAT,’ Wayne Rooney’s remarkable spell at Old Trafford speaks volumes about his legacy in the sport.
In no particular order, here are four legendary sporting athletes, both past and present, who stand out above the rest for Man Utd’s all-time leading goalscorer.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan (snooker)
With a record eight UK Championship title wins, Ronnie O’Sullivan is considered one of the best snooker players ever to set foot in the sport.
The 50-year-old holds the record for the most ranking titles at 41, including his seven World Snooker Championship wins — a milestone that he shares with Stephen Hendry.
Speaking in a Reddit AMA in June, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney said: “There’s [sic] a few different ones [GOATs from different sports], and I’ve done a list on my podcast actually, with Ronnie O’Sullivan as number 1.
“I just love snooker and his character, his personality. I just love everything about him, his aura.”
Mike Tyson (boxing)
Mike Tyson has become synonymous with the world of boxing after the 60-year-old American superstar’s meteoric rise in the combat sport during the 1990s.
The ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ is still the youngest heavyweight champion in the world after he dismantled Trevor Berbick in 1986 and captured the WBC title.
While Mike Tyson’s career declined in the later stages of the 1990s, the former undisputed heavyweight world champion left a long-lasting mark on Rooney.
“Then from other sports… Mike Tyson is one who’s up there for me,” Rooney added.
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Serena Williams (tennis)
Serena Williams is considered one of the best women’s tennis players of all time and the 44-year-old American’s trophy success in the sport speaks volumes about her.
The Olympian has amassed an eye-watering 39 Grand Slam titles in her remarkable tennis career, including seven wins at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Serena Williams made her sensational return to tennis in 2026 after a four-year hiatus and received a wild card to compete at Wimbledon this summer.
Just like Mike Tyson and Ronnie O’Sullivan, ex-United striker Rooney revealed that tennis legend Williams would be one of his GOATs from across the sporting world.
Lionel Messi (football)
Rooney might have shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson, but his admiration for Lionel Messi has never been hidden.
The former Everton star crossed paths with Lionel Messi in his career and Rooney admitted that he struggles to put Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Argentine ace.
Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap in 2024, Rooney said: “I think Messi. I just think he’s the best-ever.
“But I get a lot of stick for saying Messi, as if like, ‘How can you say Messi, it’s Ronaldo.’
“And I understand people can say Messi, people can say Ronaldo. You can say either or [for them]. They’re both incredible. I think probably the best two players ever to play the game.
“For me, Messi’s just got that little bit more extra flair, which I like in a player, so that’s the reason really.”
Barcelona legend Messi, who will captain Argentina in the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, has been playing for MLS outfit Inter Miami since 2023.
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