Wayne Rooney’s footballer son Kai issues heartbreaking update – ‘Life can’t get worse’

Wayne Rooney knows all about the ups and down of football, but the Manchester United legend’s young son Kai is currently learning these things the hard way

Wayne Rooney’s 15-year-old son Kai has said ‘life can’t get worse’ after suffering a painful injury while playing in Manchester United’s development team. Rooney, 35, won numerous titles at Old Trafford and is hoping his eldest child can follow in his footsteps.

Unfortunately, the only steps young Kai will be taking in the coming days will be on crutches. Before the setback, Kai was enjoying a lightning fast ascent at Rooney’s old club.

He was recently called up to the United-19s squad where he was playing with other prospects who are four years older than him. His call-up was then followed by a sweet goal he scored for the Under-18s, which saw him fire a left-footed volley into the top corner.

Sadly, any positive momentum he has amassed will have to be rediscovered as he is set for a period on the sidelines. Kai uploaded a mirror selfie of himself showing off the protective boot he has on his right foot. In a caption overlaying the photo, he wrote: “Life can’t get worse” alongside a crying emoji.

READ MORE: Rhodri Giggs hits out at Ryan Giggs snub despite affair that made him £1millionREAD MORE: Wayne Rooney reveals I’m A Celeb stance and tells ITV bosses his nightmare trial

It’s a post which will invoke empathy from all footballers who have suffered a bad injury in their career. The nature of his injury or how long it will stop him from playing is currently unclear.

However, the tone in his post suggests it may be a long time until he is playing for United again. While he is yet to wrestle the spotlight onto himself in the same way as his iconic father, there has been plenty of promise around Kai.

He usually features in a central position for United, just like Rooney Sr, but he has also starred in the wider areas. Kai was particularly impressive while playing for the Red Devils in the Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland earlier this summer.

Wayne also starred in a similar tournament when he was a young and hungry prospect at Everton. Rooney cheered on his son’s displays alongside wife Coleen and his youngest sons Kit and Cass.

The former England skipper was recently asked to explain any influence he has had on Kai’s youthful football career so far. Instead of peppering him with advice, the Reds all-time highest goal-scorer is allowing Kai to play the game in the way he sees fit.

In a previous interview, Rooney told BBC Sport: “I just let him play. I think they started the competition well, they won 3-0, he scored the penalty and got an assist. So I think he started OK. He just plays and that’s all he’s done during his time playing.

“I think it’s very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds. He’s just playing, he’s a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well.

“He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach. I speak to him, but for me it’s all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it – that’s the main thing for me.”

Kai has been with the United academy since the age of 11. He joined the Red Devils youth set-up in 2020, where he his playing style has evoked memories of his famous father strutting his stuff at Old Trafford.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.