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Wayne Rooney is set to pocket £800,000 in tax relief from HMRC following the closure of his image rights firm. This financial boost arrives after the former Manchester United legend wound up his business venture four years ago.

The England hero has endured a rollercoaster period since hanging up his boots in 2021. His coaching career kicked off at Derby County before a stint with DC United across the Atlantic, leading to his appointment at Birmingham City in 2023. The 40-year-old was given his marching orders after securing victory in just two of 15 fixtures, with Plymouth Argyle subsequently offering him a lifeline. However, his tenure there proved equally challenging, culminating in his dismissal in January 2025 following a dismal run that yielded merely two points from 13 league encounters. Following his departure from Plymouth, Rooney has shifted focus to media work.

He secured an agreement with the BBC to feature as a regular Match of the Day studio analyst this summer and now faces another financial windfall. Rooney stands to collect a considerable tax refund following the dissolution of his image rights enterprise.

Four years previously, he banked approximately £21million upon shuttering the firm, where he held complete ownership. He established the image rights and investment business Stoneygate 48 Ltd in 2006, but decided to close it down as it was "no longer required."

Rooney made this choice following his retirement from professional football. Documentation signed by Rooney at that time indicated he anticipated receiving a £20.8m settlement from the closure.

The final accounts covered the period ending March 31, 2020. The firm's assets comprised £1m in property, £8.9m in investments and £11.9m in monies owed to the company, totalling £21.8m.

These were balanced against liquidation costs estimated at £30k, £200k owed to HMRC and £750k in other undisclosed debts. A spokesperson for Stoneygate 48 Ltd said at the time: "The directors have decided to put the company into solvent liquidation as it is no longer required. All debts will be paid in full and money will be returned to shareholders."

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However, before this procedure concludes, Rooney is now poised for another £800k windfall courtesy of a tax rebate from HMRC. This merely adds to his already staggering net worth.

Rooney's present fortune sits at an estimated £170m. This would position him as the globe's wealthiest manager and has been enhanced over the years through his diverse business interests. Throughout his playing career, it was calculated that Rooney pocketed upwards of £300k per week.

Alongside a substantial salary, he also secured brand partnerships with the likes of Nike, Coca-Cola and EA Sports. His latest financial boost arrived via his BBC contract. It is believed this two-year agreement is valued at a total of £800k.

Whilst it may complicate any return to management, speaking last month Rooney was candid and acknowledged that presently he is content in punditry.

"No, not really," Rooney told talkSPORT when asked if he was seeking another coaching position. "I'm happy with what I'm doing. I'm still learning in the punditry world and trying to get better at that.

"I get to see my kids play more instead of the pressures of management. If the right one comes up, after what's happened in my previous jobs, I doubt it. I'm not stupid. I can be honest about that. I'm happy doing what I'm doing."