“I'd have done the same to get him sent off” – 20 years since Rooney's red card

Former England striker Wayne Rooney reflects on his red card in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal and the reaction of his then teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Twenty years ago, a moment of youthful indiscretion changed the course of Wayne Rooney's career and left an indelible mark on World Cup history. In the 2006 quarter-final between England and Portugal, the 20-year-old striker was sent off for stamping on defender Ricardo Carvalho, a decision that sparked controversy and strained his relationship with Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney now admits, “If I were Ronaldo, I would have done the same thing to get him sent off.” He refers to Ronaldo's visible pressure on the referee to issue a red card. While initially furious, Rooney understands that Ronaldo was acting in his team's interest, a common practice in high-stakes football. The match ended in a penalty shootout, with Portugal advancing after Ronaldo scored the winning spot-kick. A now-infamous image of Ronaldo winking at the bench was interpreted as a taunt, fueling tension between the two players at club level. Reflecting on the incident, Rooney says, “It was a turning point in my career. I learned the importance of controlling my emotions and the immense pressure of the World Cup.” He acknowledges that his youthful impulsiveness cost him, but the experience made him more resilient. Rooney reveals that Ronaldo later apologized, and they reconciled at Manchester United. “We are still friends. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch,” he says. The red card had a lasting impact on English football, symbolizing the team's recurring disappointments in major tournaments. It also sparked debates about player discipline and refereeing decisions. Now a coach, Rooney often uses this story to teach young players: “Never let your emotions take over, especially on a stage like the World Cup.” Two decades later, Rooney's red card remains a defining moment in World Cup lore, a reminder that football is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one.

“I'd have done the same to get him sent off” – 20 years since Rooney's red card

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