diff --git a/esphome/components/wifi/wifi_component_esp8266.cpp b/esphome/components/wifi/wifi_component_esp8266.cpp
index a68111f045..61c4584d09 100644
--- a/esphome/components/wifi/wifi_component_esp8266.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/wifi/wifi_component_esp8266.cpp
@@ -543,10 +543,12 @@ void WiFiComponent::wifi_event_callback(System_Event_t *event) {
       }
       s_sta_connected = false;
       s_sta_connecting = false;
-      // Set error flag BEFORE notifying listeners so is_connected() returns
-      // correct state during listener callbacks (matches ESP-IDF behavior)
+      // IMPORTANT: Set error flag BEFORE notifying listeners.
+      // This ensures is_connected() returns false during listener callbacks,
+      // which is critical for proper reconnection logic (e.g., roaming).
       global_wifi_component->error_from_callback_ = true;
 #ifdef USE_WIFI_LISTENERS
+      // Notify listeners AFTER setting error flag so they see correct state
       static constexpr uint8_t EMPTY_BSSID[6] = {};
       for (auto *listener : global_wifi_component->connect_state_listeners_) {
         listener->on_wifi_connect_state(StringRef(), EMPTY_BSSID);