gary lineker

Who is Gary Lineker?

Gary Lineker is a former professional footballer turned popular television presenter and sports broadcaster. Renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities and his clean disciplinary record on the field, Lineker is one of England’s football legends. After retiring from football, he transitioned into broadcasting, where he became the longstanding presenter of the BBC’s Match of the Day and a prominent voice in sports media. Born in Leicester, England, Lineker is also widely recognized for his articulate social commentary and charitable efforts.

Early Life and Education

Gary Winston Lineker was born on November 30, 1960, in Leicester, England. His father, Barry Lineker, was a fruit and vegetable seller who ran a stall in Leicester Market, a role that Gary and his brother Wayne would often help out with during their youth.

Gary attended Caldecote Road School and later Leicester Grammar School on a scholarship. From an early age, he showed immense talent in sports, especially football. However, he was also quite good at cricket and even represented Leicestershire’s youth teams. Despite his prowess in multiple sports, football ultimately became his calling. His teachers recognized his sporting talents and supported his athletic ambitions even when academics took a backseat.

Personal Life

Gary Lineker has had a high-profile personal life. He married his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, in 1986, and the couple had four sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus. However, after two decades of marriage, they divorced in 2006. He later married Danielle Bux, a model and actress, in 2009. However, their marriage ended in 2016 due to differing views about having children.

Despite his fame, Lineker is known for his down-to-earth demeanor and keen sense of humor. He is a vocal advocate for various humanitarian causes and has worked with several charities, including UNICEF, for which he has been a longtime ambassador.

Family

Gary Lineker comes from a close-knit family. His younger brother, Wayne Lineker, is an entrepreneur and nightclub owner who gained media attention for his ventures and TV appearances. Gary’s sons have mostly kept a lower profile, although his eldest son, George Lineker, made headlines for surviving leukemia as a child, an experience that had a profound impact on the family.

Gary remains close to his children and often shares snippets of his life with them on social media. Despite his divorce from Danielle Bux, the two have remained friends and continue to be supportive of each other.

Career

Football Career

Gary Lineker began his professional football career at Leicester City in 1978. Over the next seven years, he built a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer. He then moved to Everton in 1985, where he won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. In 1986, he joined Barcelona, where he spent three successful seasons, including scoring a hat-trick against Real Madrid in El Clásico.

After his stint in Spain, he returned to England to play for Tottenham Hotspur, where he continued to excel. He ended his club career in Japan, playing for Nagoya Grampus Eight.

Internationally, Lineker earned 80 caps for the England national team and scored 48 goals, making him one of the country’s top scorers. He won the Golden Boot in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, and impressively, he was never booked (yellow carded) in his entire career.

Broadcasting Career

Following his retirement from football in 1994, Lineker transitioned into broadcasting. He became the main presenter of the BBC’s Match of the Day in 1999, a role he held for over two decades. He also hosted sports coverage for events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championships, and Premier League matches.

In 2023, Lineker made headlines after a temporary suspension from the BBC due to his comments on social media criticizing UK immigration policy, sparking a major public debate on freedom of speech and impartiality in public broadcasting.

Career Timeline Table

Detailed Bio Table

Social Media Accounts Table

Latest News (as of April 2025)

As of April 2025, Gary Lineker is in the spotlight for his newly announced documentary series exploring football’s role in global diplomacy. The series, to be aired on the BBC, delves into how football has influenced political change, unity, and cultural shifts across the world. He also recently joined a panel at the UN to speak about sports diplomacy, continuing his legacy of using his platform for social good.

Physical Appearance and Height

Gary Lineker has a lean and athletic build, which he maintained during his football career and beyond. He stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall. His silver hair and sharp dressing style contribute to his distinguished appearance as a respected broadcaster. Despite being in his 60s, he is known for staying fit and active, often posting workout routines or walking tours on social media.

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Gary Lineker’s estimated net worth is around £35 million ($45 million USD). His wealth comes from multiple sources including:

• Football salary during his playing days

• Long-term presenting role at the BBC

• Brand endorsements (including the long-standing Walkers Crisps deal)

• Investments and public speaking engagements

He is considered one of the highest-paid sports presenters in the UK.