Kai signs scholarship at Man United while youngest brother Cass is released by Everton

Kai Rooney has signed a scholarship with Manchester United’s academy this summer, while his youngest brother Cass has been released by Everton, as Wayne Rooney’s four sons chart markedly different sporting journeys.

Kai

At 16, Kai is the furthest along the footballing path. After ending the 2021/22 academy season with a remarkable 56 goals and 28 assists across all competitions, his progress was interrupted by injury last season. He returned to the spotlight in January 2026 when he made his first appearance at Old Trafford, featuring for United’s U18s in a 2-1 FA Youth Cup victory over Derby. The scholarship secured this summer has raised hopes that he could push towards Michael Carrick’s first team in the coming years.

Speaking on the Disney show The Real Rooneys, Wayne was clear about the terms on which he wants his son to succeed. “Kai wants his own legacy, and I’ll be there to support him,” he said. “What I don’t want is him to get a scholarship or get a contract because of me. I want it to be because of him in his own right.”

Klay

Second eldest Klay, 13, is also embedded in United’s youth system and has reportedly been travelling to continental tournaments with the club since the age of eight. In 2025, Wayne watched him represent United’s U12s at the MICFootball competition in Girona, where his side faced UE Quart. Wayne first publicly marked his son’s footballing milestones in April 2022, posting a photo of Klay at his first tournament away from home.

Kit

Kit, 10, appears to have walked away from football entirely — at least for now. Coleen Rooney has said her third son “retired” from the sport and has set his sights on becoming a professional darts player instead. He celebrated his ninth birthday with a darts-themed party in January 2025 and has already met his idol, Luke Littler.

Cass

The youngest of the four, Cass, has suffered an early setback after being released by Everton’s academy — a club his father represented with distinction and genuine affection throughout his career. Wayne has spoken about wanting all his sons to forge their own identities in sport, independent of his own considerable shadow.