Coleen Rooney, born Coleen McLoughlin, has navigated the complexities of public life with a romantic history almost exclusively defined by her enduring relationship with football icon Wayne Rooney. Their story is a quintessential tale of childhood sweethearts who grew up together under the intense glare of the media, facing both personal milestones and public scrutiny. From their early days in Liverpool to becoming one's Britain's most recognized couples, their bond has been a constant in Coleen's life.
Their paths first crossed in the working-class suburb of Croxteth, Liverpool, when Coleen was just 12 years old. Wayne's mother worked as a cleaner at Coleen's school, St John Bosco Arts College, which provided an early connection. They developed a friendship that would eventually blossom into romance, laying the foundation for a relationship that has spanned over two decades.
The couple officially began dating when they were both 16 years old, shortly after leaving secondary school. This period coincided with Wayne Rooney's meteoric rise in professional football, first with Everton and then with Manchester United. Their burgeoning romance quickly became a subject of public interest, marking Coleen's entry into the world of WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends of footballers) and the associated media attention.
Wayne Rooney proposed to Coleen when she was still a teenager, reportedly on the forecourt of a BP garage, a testament to their down-to-earth beginnings despite Wayne's growing fame. Their engagement solidified their commitment, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the era.
On June 12, 2008, Coleen and Wayne Rooney married in a lavish ceremony in Portofino, Italy. The wedding was a high-profile event, with OK! Magazine reportedly paying £2.5 million for exclusive rights to the details and photographs. This grand affair marked a significant milestone in their relationship, officially uniting the childhood sweethearts in matrimony.
Following their marriage, Coleen and Wayne began to build their family. Their first son, Kai Wayne Rooney, was born on November 2, 2009. This marked the beginning of their journey as parents, adding a new dimension to their public and private lives. Coleen often shared glimpses of their family life, balancing her media career with motherhood.
The Rooney family continued to grow with the arrival of their second son, Klay Anthony Rooney, on May 21, 2013. As Wayne's football career continued to thrive, the family often relocated to accommodate his professional commitments, including a move to the United States when he joined D.C. United.
Their third son, Kit Joseph Rooney, was born on January 24, 2016. Throughout these years, Coleen remained a steadfast presence, often seen supporting Wayne at his matches and managing their growing family. Despite the public nature of their lives, Coleen maintained a relatively private approach to their personal affairs, though certain challenges inevitably spilled into the public domain.
The couple welcomed their fourth son, Cass Mac Rooney, on February 15, 2018. The birth of their fourth child came amidst a period of significant public challenges for the couple, particularly concerning Wayne's off-field conduct. Coleen's decision to stand by her husband during these difficult times became a recurring theme in media coverage.
Throughout their marriage, the Rooneys' relationship has been tested by numerous public scandals involving Wayne. These incidents, often related to his personal life and conduct, led to intense media scrutiny and speculation about the state of their marriage. Coleen, however, consistently chose to work through these issues privately and publicly, often making statements that emphasized her commitment to her family.
"I've had a s*** time, and I've been through a lot of heartache," Coleen stated in a 2018 Facebook post, addressing one of Wayne's public incidents. "I've tried to support him and I've tried to help him in the best way I can... I want to try and continue our marriage and live as a family." This public declaration highlighted her resilience and dedication to their union.
More recently, Coleen has openly discussed the "ups and downs" of her marriage, particularly in her 2023 Disney+ documentary, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story. This series, while primarily focusing on the "Wagatha Christie" libel case, also provided insights into her long-standing relationship with Wayne and how they navigated the pressures of fame and personal challenges.
Today, Coleen and Wayne Rooney remain married, a testament to their enduring bond despite the many trials they have faced. They continue to raise their four sons, often sharing family moments on social media. Their relationship, which began in their teenage years, has evolved from a simple romance into a complex partnership that has withstood the test of time and intense public scrutiny, making them one of the most talked-about couples in British celebrity culture. Coleen's steadfastness and commitment have been central to their ability to navigate the unique pressures of their high-profile lives, cementing their status as a couple who have truly grown up together in the public eye.