Wayne Rooney Epic Reaction as Jack Grealish Chooses Iconic No.18 at Everton

From Rooney to Gascoigne — and a Little Phil Neville Banter Along the Way

When Jack Grealish walked into Finch Farm to begin the next chapter of his career, one of his first decisions wasn’t about tactics, training, or where he’d be playing on the pitch. It was about the number on his back.

The former Manchester City and Aston Villa star, so often associated with the No.10 shirt, stunned a few fans when Everton unveiled him with the iconic No.18. But for Grealish, this wasn’t a downgrade or compromise — it was a deliberate nod to two footballing heroes from his childhood: Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne.

Grealish’s Tribute to Two Icons

Speaking after the signing was confirmed, Grealish explained the choice with his trademark smile:

“There is a reason for choosing number 18. There were other numbers available, but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne — and they both wore number 18 here. As soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look, saw number 18 was free, and that was it. It was the only number I was going to take from that point.”

It’s hard to argue with that sentiment. Rooney, as a fearless 16-year-old, famously introduced himself to the footballing world wearing that shirt, smashing in an unforgettable winner against Arsenal that ended their 30-match unbeaten run. Gascoigne, meanwhile, brought his flamboyant flair and larger-than-life personality to Goodison Park in the late ’90s, wearing the same digits for two colourful seasons.

Of course, Grealish’s romantic connection to the number didn’t escape a bit of playful ribbing. There’s also a certain Phil Neville who wore 18 during his Everton career — something Wayne Rooney was quick to bring up.

Rooney’s Good-Humoured Response

Everton captain Phil Neville celebrates

The light-hearted exchange unfolded live on BBC’s Match of the Day. The host told Rooney about Grealish’s decision and added that the winger claimed they’d discussed it “over a roast dinner.”

Rooney, grinning like a man remembering an old inside joke, said:

“Yeah, it was… No, listen, Jack’s a fantastic player and, yeah, we did speak about it in tongue-in-cheek, really, in terms of the number 18 shirt. Unfortunately Phil Neville wore it as well!”

Cue laughter in the studio. But the Manchester United legend quickly turned serious, expressing genuine support for Grealish’s move.

“For Jack, I think it’s a great opportunity. It’s a massive football club with a great fan base, and I think for Jack to go there, be one of the main players, it’s a chance for him to shine. He can help get Everton back up the table where they need to be and, of course, put himself in Thomas Tuchel’s plans again.”

The Career Reset Grealish Needed

Grealish’s move to Everton comes with a twist — he’s taken a significant pay cut. In today’s Premier League climate, that’s a rare step, but it underlines how much he wants to get back to playing regular football.

The deal, believed to include a purchase clause of around £50 million, could turn out to be a bargain for the Toffees if he rediscovers his best form. For Grealish, the lure is obvious: under David Moyes, he has the chance to be a focal point again, the kind of creative force he was at Villa before his record-breaking move to Manchester City.

At City, surrounded by world-class talent, Grealish often had to adapt his game — more disciplined, more defensive, and less of the freewheeling playmaker fans adored. At Everton, the shackles could come off.

The Weight of the Shirt

England Men Press Conference rooney

Numbers in football are more than just identifiers; they carry history, pressure, and in some cases, a sense of destiny. For Evertonians, the No.18 has a certain magic thanks to Rooney’s teenage heroics and Gascoigne’s flamboyant presence.

And Grealish knows he’s stepping into a lineage that fans remember fondly. Wearing it is both a tribute and a challenge — he’s not just there to make up the numbers, he’s there to write his own chapter.

Everton’s Expectations

For Moyes, signing Grealish is both a statement of ambition and a calculated gamble. If the England international hits his stride, Everton get not just a top-class player but also a leader in the dressing room.

His dribbling, vision, and ability to draw fouls are well documented. But perhaps more importantly, his swagger — the kind that lifts teammates and riles opponents — could be exactly what Everton need in a season where they’ll be aiming for more than just mid-table safety.

The manager will no doubt remind Grealish that with freedom comes responsibility. Being the talisman means delivering when it matters — something the No.18 shirt’s previous owners knew all too well.

Leeds Awaits

Grealish’s first chance to strut his stuff in royal blue could come at Elland Road when Everton face Leeds United in their Premier League opener on Monday night. For a player who thrives on atmosphere, it’s the perfect stage: a hostile away crowd, a high-tempo match, and a fresh chapter to begin.

The Toffees’ supporters will be eager to see their new signing in action, perhaps already imagining him cutting inside from the left, socks rolled down, gliding past defenders before bending one into the top corner.

Final Thoughts

Jack Grealish swapping Manchester City’s No.10 for Everton’s No.18 might look like a step down on paper, but in reality, it’s a calculated leap toward rejuvenation. For Grealish, it’s about heritage, opportunity, and reigniting the joy of playing football.

And with Wayne Rooney giving his blessing — with just a dash of cheek about Phil Neville — the story has already captured fans’ imaginations.

Now, it’s over to Jack to make sure that when future Everton signings talk about their favourite players, his name sits comfortably alongside Rooney, Gascoigne… and yes, maybe even Neville.