Wayne Rooney was left fighting back tears as his younger brother orchestrated one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history.
John Rooney’s Macclesfield, a mid-table side from the sixth tier, stunned holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose — a result that will live long in Cup folklore.
Captain Paul Dawson’s towering first-half header put the hosts ahead before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead after the break. Palace pulled one back through Yeremy Pino in the 90th minute, but Macclesfield refused to buckle, digging deep as the Premier League side threw everything forward.
On the touchline, Wayne Rooney watched as a BBC pundit and as a proud older brother.
Wayne Rooney is one proud brother 🥲 pic.twitter.com/5GK2fn9FaR
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD)
January 10, 2026
When the final whistle blew, and fans flooded the pitch, the former England captain struggled to keep his composure.
“It’s incredible to see my younger brother achieve this,” Rooney said, choking up. “I’m so proud of him. What he’s done today is absolutely superb.”
Couldn’t be any prouder of my brother John. Well done to everyone at Macclesfield. Unbelievable achievement and more than deserved 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/0lFCyeV2iB
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) January 10, 2026
Wayne described how calm John looked in the closing moments, even as history beckoned. “He just turned and did a little fist pump. I don’t know how he stayed so calm.”
The moment was capped by an emotional on-pitch embrace as Wayne interviewed John moments after full-time.
“I still can’t believe it,” John Rooney admitted. “From the first minute, we were incredible. I couldn’t be prouder of the lads. We deserved it.”
Separated by 117 places in the football pyramid, Macclesfield not only beat Palace — they outworked, outthought and outlasted them.
“We nullified them,” John added. “I thought every single player was incredible.”
