John Rooney

Macclesfield Town

John Rooney started at the Everton Youth Academy at the age of six. After being released by Everton, Rooney moved to Macclesfield Town in 2002, where he signed professional terms on 14 July 2008, 4 months after his professional debut against Barnet on 24 March 2008. His first ever career goal came against Dagenham & Redbridge in a 2–1 loss on 28 March 2009. Rooney's Macclesfield contract expired at the end of the 2009–10 season (after refusing to sign a new contract).

New York Red Bulls

After trials with Derby County and Huddersfield Town were unsuccessful Rooney went to the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers on trial to enter the next Major League Soccer Draft. Rooney signed with Major League Soccer on 28 December 2010 and played at the 2011 MLS Combine in Florida. On 13 January 2011, Rooney was selected in the second round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by New York Red Bulls. He made his debut for the club on 16 April as an 89th-minute substitute in a 3–0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes at the Red Bull Arena. On 28 June, in his first start for New York, Rooney scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 victory over FC New York in the US Open Cup.

Orlando City

Rooney was waived by New York on 23 November 2011 and he signed with USL Pro club Orlando City on 27 January 2012. On 25 February 2012, in his debut, Rooney scored his first goal with the club against Toronto FC in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic in a 2–2…

After retirement from football, on 1 July 2025, Rooney was appointed as manager of Macclesfield, following the departure of Robbie Savage. On 10 January 2026, Rooney coached Macclesfield to a major upset as his side beat FA Cup holders and Premier League side Crystal Palace 2–1 in the FA Cup third round.

John Rooney was born in Liverpool, Merseyside to Jeanette Maria Rooney (née Morrey) and Thomas Wayne Rooney. He is of Irish descent and was brought up in Croxteth with older brothers Graeme and Wayne; all three attended Our Lady and St. Swithin's primary school and the De La Salle Humanities College.

He is the younger brother of former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney. His cousin, Tommy Rooney, also played for Macclesfield Town in the 2004-05 season.