After watching Wayne Rooney play at the World Cup throughout June, it is beyond dispute that he is a world-class player—perhaps one of the finest young soccer players in the world.
That he came back so quickly from a serious injury—suffered only weeks prior to the biggest tournament in sports—is a testament to his toughness and sheer determination.
The unfortunate flip side of the Rooney coin is that he is not, in some other important ways, a great role model for young soccer players.
The play that saw him red-carded at a critical time for the English squad in the quarter-final World Cup game seemed to be reflective of his approach to that game—and to others:
He’ll do what he wants, when he wants, and expects, it seems, no consequences.
He seemed stunned that he would be penalized for his ill-timed and selfish act, just as he seems continually perplexed when he is called for often deserved infractions during his play with Manchester United in the English Premier League. (In light of his agitated on-field demeanor, is it any wonder impressionable young players are so often seen throwing their hands up whenever a referee makes a call that goes against them?)
Some observers suggest Rooney did no wrong in “stepping on” a sensitive part of his opponent’s body. They claim he did so inadvertently.
That view might hold water, if Rooney’s career had not been filled to this point with many other angry outbursts and well-earned yellow cards.
Oddly, much of the media reaction to this most-recent Rooney incident was to blame Cristiano Rinaldo for lobbying the referee to throw Rooney out of the game.
Rather than lay the blame for uncontrolled behavior at the feet of the person who acted in a childish manner, the press sought to vilify Ronaldo, who was not otherwise even involved in the play in question.
Interestingly, the departing English National coach has publicly implored the English media to go easy on Rooney and support him. Understandable sentiments on the one hand, as Rooney will clearly be a key figure in future English World Cup efforts.
But if Rooney is not ultimately responsible for his actions, and does not have to fear any consequences, what is his motivation to alter his attitude and behavior?
And what example, again, does this set for young athletes? You can disrespect fellow players, behave any way you want, as long as you are a top player?
No person is perfect. No athlete can be the perfect role model, to be sure. And particularly in this day in age of greed and excess and media exposure, expecting or even hoping for ‘role-model’ behavior on and off the field may not be at all fair or realistic in any event.
Rooney is only 20. He is a wonderful and talented footballer. Like many before him, he may, over time, grow in wisdom and maturity while still maintaining his elite level of play.
But in the interim, it is unfortunate that he seems unable or unwilling to make certain attitude adjustments—and unfortunate that those coaching and advising him are willing to look the other way.
Rhonaldino, another immense talent, did not have the best World Cup in 2006, and seemed to miss the drive in big games that would have positively marked his career forever. But he at least presents on and off the field as someone who truly enjoys what he is doing and loves the gifts and opportunities he has been given.
Rhonaldino with a bit more grit; Rooney with a lot less anger.
That would seem to add up to the near perfect soccer player.
And maybe one worthy of aspiring young people looking up to.
