On May 25, 2025, Gary Lineker will present his final episode of Match of the Day, concluding a 26-year tenure with the BBC. His departure follows a controversy over a social media post that was widely criticized for containing antisemitic imagery.
Despite Lineker’s prompt apology and clarification that the offense was unintentional, the BBC determined that his position had become untenable, leading to a mutual agreement for his exit .
Lineker’s exit marks the end of an era for British sports broadcasting. Known for his articulate commentary and unwavering professionalism, he has been a staple in football coverage, not only for his insights but also for his ability to connect with audiences. As he steps away from the BBC, Lineker’s legacy as both a footballer and broadcaster remains indelible.
Early Life and Roots in Leicester
Gary Winston Lineker was born on November 30, 1960, in Leicester, England, to Margaret and Barry Lineker. His middle name honors Winston Churchill, with whom he shares a birthday.
Growing up in a family of greengrocers, Lineker often helped at his father’s fruit and vegetable stall in Leicester Market. He has a younger brother, Wayne, with whom he shared a passion for sports.
Gary Lineker attended Caldecote Road School and later the City of Leicester Boys’ Grammar School, choosing it for its emphasis on football over rugby. Excelling in both football and cricket, he captained the Leicestershire Schools cricket team from ages 11 to 16.
Despite a teacher’s remark that he “concentrates too much on football” and would “never make a living at that,” Lineker pursued his passion, joining Leicester City’s youth academy in 1976.
Leicester City (1978–1985)
Gary Lineker began his professional career with Leicester City, making his senior debut on January 1, 1979, in a 2–0 win over Oldham Athletic. Over seven seasons, he scored over 100 goals in more than 200 appearances, helping the team achieve two promotions to the First Division . His prolific scoring and partnership with Alan Smith made him one of the most sought-after strikers in English football.
In the 1982–83 season, Lineker’s 26 league goals were instrumental in Leicester’s promotion to the First Division. His consistent performance and goal-scoring prowess caught the attention of top clubs, setting the stage for his move to Everton in 1985.
Everton (1985–1986)
In 1985, Lineker transferred to Everton for £800,000. He scored 40 goals in 57 games during his single season with the club, becoming the First Division’s top scorer with 30 league goals.
Despite his efforts, Everton finished second in the league and lost the FA Cup final to Liverpool. Gary Lineker later described this Everton team as the best club side he ever played in .
Lineker’s debut for Everton was against his former club, Leicester City, where he mistakenly entered the wrong dressing room at halftime.
His time at Everton was marked by remarkable goal-scoring feats, including three hat-tricks, and solidified his reputation as a world-class striker. His performances attracted the attention of Spanish giants Barcelona, leading to his transfer in 1986.
Barcelona (1986–1989)
Lineker moved to Barcelona for £2.8 million, where he scored 42 goals in 103 appearances. He won the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners’ Cup during his tenure.
One of Lineker’s most memorable performances was a hat-trick against Real Madrid in El Clásico, endearing him to Barcelona fans. Despite being played out of position on the wing under coach Johan Cruyff, Lineker’s professionalism and adaptability shone through.
Tottenham Hotspur (1989–1992)
Returning to England, Lineker joined Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 67 goals in 105 games and winning the FA Cup in 1991. He finished as the First Division’s top scorer in the 1989–90 season with 24 goals.
Lineker’s partnership with Paul Gascoigne at Tottenham was particularly notable, with the duo’s chemistry contributing significantly to the team’s success. His consistent goal-scoring and leadership on the field made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in English football.
Nagoya Grampus Eight (1992–1994)
Lineker concluded his club career in Japan with Nagoya Grampus Eight, scoring nine goals in 23 appearances over two injury-impacted seasons. He announced his retirement from playing in September 1994, ending a distinguished playing career that spanned over 15 years .
Despite the challenges, Lineker’s presence in the J-League helped raise the profile of football in Japan. His professionalism and dedication served as an example for younger players and contributed to the growth of the sport in the country.
International Career
Representing England from 1984 to 1992, Lineker earned 80 caps and scored 48 goals, making him one of the country’s all-time leading scorers. He won the Golden Boot at the 1986 FIFA World Cup as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
Lineker’s international career was marked by his clinical finishing and sportsmanship, as he never received a yellow or red card throughout his professional career .
Lineker’s performances in major tournaments, including the 1990 World Cup where England reached the semi-finals, cemented his status as a national hero.
His leadership and goal-scoring ability were instrumental in England’s successes during this period. Lineker’s international career remains a benchmark for English strikers.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring from football in 1994, Lineker transitioned to broadcasting, becoming the face of BBC’s Match of the Day in 1999. He hosted coverage for major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, and was known for his insightful analysis and dry humor.
Beyond football, Lineker presented the ITV game show Sitting on a Fortune from 2021 to 2023. He also co-founded Goalhanger Podcasts in 2018, producing popular series like The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Football. By 2024, the network achieved over 400 million downloads, highlighting Lineker’s successful transition to digital media.
Personal Life
Lineker married Michelle Cockayne in 1986, and they have four sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus. Their eldest son, George, survived a rare form of leukemia as a baby, an experience that deeply affected the family.
The couple divorced in 2006, and Lineker later married model Danielle Bux in 2009; they divorced in 2016. Despite personal challenges, Lineker has remained close to his children and is known for his advocacy on social issues, including refugee rights and free school meals for children.
What’s Next for Gary Lineker
With his departure from the BBC, Gary Lineker is poised to embark on a new phase of his career, focusing on his burgeoning podcasting venture, Goalhanger Podcasts. Co-founded with Tony Pastor and Jack Davenport, Goalhanger has become a significant player in the podcasting industry, boasting over 400 million downloads across its 13 main shows as of 2024.
Lineker’s involvement in podcasts like The Rest Is Football, alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, has allowed him to continue engaging with football audiences in a more unfiltered and personal format.
Beyond podcasting, Lineker has hinted at exploring opportunities with other broadcasters. Reports suggest that he has had discussions with networks such as ITV, indicating a potential return to television in a different capacity.
Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC also opens the door for increased involvement in humanitarian and advocacy work. Known for his outspoken views on social issues, he may choose to leverage his public profile to support causes close to his heart, such as refugee rights and free school meals for children.
In the immediate future, Lineker will continue to focus on expanding Goalhanger Podcasts, potentially exploring new content areas and formats. His departure from the BBC marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, but it also heralds the beginning of new ventures that align with his passions and values.
As he steps into this next phase, Lineker remains a prominent figure in the media landscape, poised to make a lasting impact beyond traditional broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Gary Lineker leave the BBC?
Gary Lineker left the BBC following a controversy over a social media post he shared, which was criticized for containing antisemitic imagery. Despite his prompt apology and clarification that the offense was unintentional, the BBC determined that his position had become untenable, leading to a mutual agreement for his exit .
2. What is Goalhanger Podcasts?
Goalhanger Podcasts is a British podcast production and distribution company co-founded by Gary Lineker. It produces several popular podcasts, including The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Football. As of 2024, the network achieved over 400 million downloads .
3. Will Lineker return to television broadcasting?
While Gary Lineker has stepped away from the BBC, he has indicated openness to future broadcasting opportunities. Reports suggest he has had discussions with other networks, such as ITV, about potential roles .
4. What is Lineker’s legacy at the BBC?
Lineker’s 26-year tenure at the BBC is marked by his role as the host of Match of the Day, where he became a defining voice in football coverage. His articulate commentary and professionalism earned him respect and a significant place in British sports broadcasting history.
5. What causes does Gary Lineker support?
Lineker is known for his advocacy on various social issues, including refugee rights and free school meals for children. His personal experiences, such as his son’s battle with leukemia, have also influenced his support for related health causes .
6. How did Lineker’s football career influence his broadcasting?
Lineker’s successful football career, including being England’s top scorer in the FIFA World Cup and playing for clubs like Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur, provided him with deep insights and credibility as a football commentator and presenter.
7. What are some of Lineker’s notable achievements in football?
Gary Lineker won the Golden Boot at the 1986 FIFA World Cup as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. He also achieved the unique feat of being the top goalscorer in England with three clubs: Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur .
8. Has Lineker received any honors or awards?
Yes, Lineker was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to football and broadcasting.
9. What is Lineker’s involvement in charity work?
Gary Lineker has been involved in various charitable activities, particularly focusing on health-related causes. He and his ex-wife were patrons of Leukaemia Busters between 1994 and 2005, and he has supported organizations like CLIC Sargent .
10. What is Lineker’s stance on social media usage?
Lineker is known for his active presence on social media, where he shares his views on various topics. His outspoken nature has led to both praise and controversy, highlighting the challenges public figures face in balancing personal expression with professional responsibilities.
11. Will Lineker’s departure affect Match of the Day?
Following Lineker’s departure, the BBC has announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will share presenting duties on Match of the Day starting from the next Premier League season .
12. How has Lineker’s departure been received by the public?
Public reaction to Lineker’s departure has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over his exit and others supporting the BBC’s decision. The incident has sparked broader discussions about freedom of expression and the responsibilities of public figures.
13. What lessons can be learned from Lineker’s departure?
Lineker’s departure underscores the importance of understanding the impact of social media posts, especially for public figures. It also highlights the need for organizations to balance individual expression with institutional values and policies.
14. What is Lineker’s educational background?
Lineker attended Caldecote Road School and later the City of Leicester Boys’ Grammar School, where he focused on football. He did not attend university, choosing instead to pursue a professional football career .
15. How did Lineker’s early life influence his career?
Growing up in Leicester in a family of greengrocers, Lineker developed a strong work ethic and passion for sports. His early experiences playing football with his brother and helping at his father’s market stall contributed to his grounded personality and determination.
16. What is Lineker’s relationship with his children?
Gary Lineker shares four sons with his ex-wife Michelle: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus. He is known to be very close to his children and has spoken publicly about his family’s experiences, including his eldest son’s battle with leukemia.
17. Has Lineker written any books?
Yes, Gary Lineker has authored several books, including autobiographies and works related to football. These publications offer insights into his life, career, and perspectives on the sport.
18. What is Lineker’s net worth?
While exact figures vary, Lineker’s net worth is estimated to be substantial, accrued from his football career, broadcasting roles, and business ventures like Goalhanger Podcasts.
19. What are Lineker’s hobbies and interests?
Beyond football, Gary Lineker has expressed interests in various sports, including cricket and golf. He also enjoys engaging in discussions on social and political issues, as evidenced by his active social media presence.
20. How can fans follow Lineker’s future endeavors?
Fans can follow Lineker’s activities through his social media accounts and by tuning into Goalhanger Podcasts. Updates on his projects and appearances are regularly shared through these platforms.
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