Wayne and Coleen Rooney have expressed their joy after their son Kai Rooney signed a scholarship agreement with Manchester United, ending the club's ban on his sponsored Puma football boots. The 16-year-old forward, who has progressed through United's youth system since age 11, signed the contract marking a pivotal milestone in his nascent career, enabling him to follow in his father's footsteps at the club.
Parents React on Social Media
Coleen Rooney commented on a photo shared by United's official Instagram account showing the first-year scholars signing their agreements, posting: "Brilliant boys," accompanied by a fire emoji, a love heart, and clapping hands. Wayne Rooney, a Manchester United legend, shared a story with the message: "Proud of you," alongside a love heart and pen-signing emoji.
Scholarship Details and Boot Ban Lifted
A scholarship allows youngsters to continue their education while pursuing a football career, and to sign a professional deal when they turn 17. Kai, having turned 16 before the August 31 deadline, is no longer eligible for the U16s and will permanently move up to the U18s. This also lifts the club's rule banning players in U16s or below from wearing sponsored footwear; all academy players must wear identical boots. Kai signed a sponsorship with Puma in 2022 at age 12.
Wayne Rooney on the Boot Ban
Speaking earlier this year on The Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast, Wayne explained: "He’s obviously with Puma but when he plays for the Manchester United U16s, something which I really like is he can’t wear his Puma boots. All the academy have to wear the same boots. They do it because there’s people from areas where they can’t afford certain boots so I think it’s really good. But he’s played for the U18s a few times and he can then wear his Puma boots."
Kai's Progress and Injury
Kai appeared six times for the U18s last season, debuting at age 15 in a 1-0 win against Everton last August. However, he sustained a season-ending injury in March, ruling him out of United's FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City, which United lost 2-1.
