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‘Remember the Name!’ – Story of Wayne Rooney’s First Premier League Goal

Wayne Rooney is one of the greatest Premier League players of all time and he announced himself in 2002 with a wondergoal for Everton against Arsenal…

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 5:00 AM
‘Remember the Name!’ – Story of Wayne Rooney’s First Premier League Goal
Key Things to Know
  • Wayne Rooney scored his first Premier League goal on October 19, 2002, securing a 2-1 Everton victory over Arsenal.
  • The 89th-minute strike ended Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten league run and prompted Clive Tyldesley's famous 'Remember the name' commentary.
  • At 16 years and 359 days, Rooney became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at that time.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Wayne Rooney announced his arrival in English football with his first Premier League goal for Everton against Arsenal on October 19, 2002. Coming on as a substitute under manager David Moyes, the 16-year-old scored an 89th-minute curling long-range winner past David Seaman to secure a 2-1 victory. The dramatic strike ended Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run and prompted Clive Tyldesley's famous commentary line: "Remember the name: Wayne Rooney."

At 16 years and 359 days old, Rooney became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at the time. He scored six league goals across 33 appearances during the 2002-03 campaign before eventually transferring to Manchester United for £27 million in 2004, where he went on to win five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

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