In the electric atmosphere of Manchester’s AO Arena, a sold-out crowd of 12,500 buzzed with anticipation for night 10 of the Premier League Darts, but one face in the VIP section stole a slice of the spotlight: Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. The former England captain, now 39, was there to cheer on teenage darts sensation Luke Littler, an 18-year-old prodigy whose meteoric rise has captivated the sporting world. For Littler, a lifelong Red Devils fan, having his childhood hero in the stands added an extra layer of magic to a night already brimming with emotion—his grandmother’s first time watching him live in the Premier League. Though Littler’s quest for a record fifth nightly win fell short, the presence of Rooney, a fellow wunderkind who burst onto the scene as a teenager, wove a narrative of legacy and inspiration.
Rooney, no stranger to the pressures of early stardom, watched intently as Littler took the stage. The Warrington-born darts star, fresh off his World Darts Championship triumph in January, has become a household name, much like Rooney was after his stunning debut for Everton at 16. “I was thinking I can’t talk to Wayne Rooney,” Littler once admitted, recalling a moment of awe when they connected. Yet their bond has grown, fueled by shared roots and mutual respect. Rooney’s family, darts enthusiasts themselves, have embraced Littler’s journey. His wife, Coleen, and their sons—Klay, 11, and Kit, 9—met Littler at Alexandra Palace after his world title win, with Coleen joking about getting “beer all over” herself in the celebration. Kit, in particular, idolizes Littler, even hosting a darts-themed birthday party and declaring his ambition to trade football for the oche. “The third one has steak for breakfast, this is the darts one,” Coleen shared, chuckling about Kit’s dedication.
On this Manchester night, Littler’s performance carried extra weight. Facing Gerwyn Price in the quarterfinals, he overcame a stunning nine-darter from the Welshman to secure a 6-3 victory, a moment that had his gran, 81, beaming with pride. “Finally got me mum to the darts tonight at Manchester 81 years young to watch her grandson our Luke TheNuke Littler walk on as a world champion,” Littler’s dad, Anthony Buckley, posted, capturing the family’s joy. But the semifinals proved tougher, as world number one Luke Humphries edged Littler 6-4, halting his charge. Nathan Aspinall, a local hero from Stockport, ultimately claimed the night’s victory, but Littler’s resolve remained unshaken. “I’ve definitely settled into it,” he said of the Premier League grind. “I’m glad to win and be clear of it.”
Rooney’s presence wasn’t just a celebrity cameo—it resonated deeply. “That is the thing with darts at the moment, it’s attracting so many big names,” said Nathan Aspinall, noting Rooney’s attendance. The former United striker, who knows a thing or two about performing under pressure, likely saw echoes of his own youth in Littler’s poise. Their connection extends beyond the arena: both have teamed up for Girth N’ Turf FC, a YouTube Pro Clubs team, blending virtual football with real camaraderie. Littler, who once dreamed of emulating Rooney on the pitch, now finds himself inspiring the next generation, including Rooney’s own kids.
Though Littler didn’t clinch the Manchester crown, his lead atop the Premier League standings—five points ahead of Humphries—signals his staying power. For Rooney, watching from the VIP table in a low-key baseball cap, it was a chance to witness a new chapter in Manchester’s sporting story. Littler’s journey, like Rooney’s, is one of defying odds and embracing the roar of the crowd. As the teenager continues to dominate, with idols like Rooney in his corner, the darts world braces for more nights of pure, unscripted drama.