Wayne Rooney hails Rob Burrow as a ‘warrior, legend and inspiration’ – as the former Man United star shares heartfelt tribute to Rugby League icon following his tragic passing

Wayne Rooney has paid a heartfelt tribute to Rob Burrow following his death at the age of 41.

Burrow’s tragic death was announced on Sunday evening by his former club Leeds Rhinos, for whom he played during the most successful period in the team’s history.

Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-year career that saw him win eight Super League titles and work tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition. In 2021 he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honors List for his services to MND and sport.

Burrow and his former teammate Kevin Sinfield were both subsequently appointed CBE in the 2024 New Year Honors following a surprise visit from Prince William, and have raised more than £15 million for MND charities in the five years since Burrow’s diagnosis.

And following Burrow’s death, England and Man United legend Rooney addressed X, offering his condolences to his family and praising the Rugby League icon.

“Devastating news,” he posted. ‘A true warrior, legend and source of inspiration. You will be missed Rob. Love and thoughts to all of Rob’s family and friends.’

Burrow is survived by his wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson.

He spent his entire club career at Leeds, making more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017. He also represented England and Great Britain.

Shortly after the sad news emerged, grieving rugby league supporters gathered at Headingley ground in Leeds and placed bouquets of flowers and shirts on a statue.

Dozens paid their respects to Burrow, one of rugby league’s most recognizable faces.

Several others paid tribute to Burrow, including Sinfield, who posted a heartfelt statement on social media on Sunday evening, writing: ‘Today was the day I hoped would never come.

“The world has lost a great man and a great friend to so many. You fought so bravely to the end and have become a beacon of hope and inspiration not only for the MND community, but for all who have seen and heard your story.

“My love and thoughts go out to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson, to your dear parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.

‘You continue to inspire me every day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the field. I would always say you were pound for pound the strongest player I ever played with, but since your diagnosis you have been the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.

‘Over the past four and a half years you have shown the world what living and loving looked like and it was always done with the biggest smile on your face.

‘I’ll miss you my little buddy. All my love, Kev.”

The English Rugby League wrote on X next to photos of Burrow representing his country: ‘For club and country. RIP Rob Burrow CBE.”

The Rugby Football League added a longer statement that read: ‘Rob Burrow was an outstanding Rugby League player, for club and country. Since December 2019, his courage and humanity – linked to that of his family, friends and former Leeds Rhinos teammates, led by Kevin Sinfield CBE – have transcended sport.

‘We send our love, support and condolences to Lindsey, the children, Geoff and Irene, and the rest of his family – and we pay tribute to a Rugby League hero.’

England Rugby posted a touching tribute to X, writing: ‘A true champion.

“The thoughts of everyone at England Rugby are with the family and friends of Rob Burrow, who has sadly passed away at the age of 41.

“Rest in peace, Rob.”

This fitting tribute came after Leeds confirmed Burrow’s death on behalf of his family.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,” the statement said.

“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether it was on the Rugby League field or during his battle with MND.

“He never let others define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.

“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the entire Burrow family have received over the past four and a half years has meant so much to Rob.

“In particular, the Rugby League Family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.”

They concluded the moving statement by adding, “He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity we must dare to dream.’

Castleford Tigers said: “Castleford Tigers are saddened by the passing of Rob Burrow. Our thoughts are with the Burrow family, @leedsrhinos and the wider Rugby League and MND community at this time.”

Hull KR wrote their own message, which said: ‘Hull KR are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE earlier today. Everyone at the club sends their sincere condolences to Rob’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Burrow is regarded as a Leeds icon, not just on the rugby field, and Leeds United paid a fitting tribute to him on Sunday evening.

The club posted on X: ‘Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE. Our thoughts are with Rob’s family, friends, all at Leeds Rhinos and the MND community at this incredibly sad time. RIP legend.”

TV presenter Dan Walker posted on

Piers Morgan, meanwhile, called it ‘incredibly sad news’.

He posted on He has raised so much money and so much awareness and helped so many other people. RIP Rob.’

The Motor Neurone Disease Association added: ‘It is a testament to the strength of people’s feeling for Rob that support in his name has never wavered.

‘The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND and raising funds for the association, by sharing the details of their journey and by supporting so many people within the MND community inspire.’