Introduction: Who Is Gary Lineker & Why Is He in the News?
Gary Lineker controversies have dominated sports and media headlines globally. The former England striker and long-time BBC presenter is known both for his flawless football discipline—never receiving a yellow card—and for his provocative political commentary that led to his shocking BBC exit in 2025. Having played for top clubs including Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham, and Barcelona, Lineker transitioned into a 26-year broadcasting career, most notably as the face of Match of the Day.
In 2024–2025, Gary Lineker controversies intensified due to politically charged social media activity, ultimately ending his BBC role. Now, he runs his media business Goalhanger Podcasts, co-hosting The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Early Life & Education
Born on 30 November 1960 in Leicester, Gary Winston Lineker is the son of Margaret and Barry Lineker. Growing up with his brother Wayne Lineker, he played football locally and worked at the family’s fruit stall. His middle name honours Winston Churchill.
Educated at Caldecote Road School and City of Leicester Boys’ Grammar, he chose football over rugby and captained the Leicestershire Schools cricket team. A teacher once predicted he would “never make a living” from football—words that couldn’t have been more wrong.
Career Timeline: Gary Lineker’s Football & Broadcasting Journey
Gary Lineker’s Sports Career & Teams:
- 1978–1985 – Leicester City (95 goals)
- 1985–1986 – Everton (Top scorer, PFA & FWA Player of the Year)
- 1986–1989 – Barcelona (Copa del Rey & European Cup Winners’ Cup)
- 1989–1992 – Tottenham Hotspur (FA Cup win)
- 1992–1994 – Nagoya Grampus Eight (Japan)
- 1984–1992 – England National Team (80 caps, 48 goals, Golden Boot – 1986 World Cup)
Lineker never received a yellow card, scoring 331 career goals in 654 games.
Broadcasting Roles:
- 1999–2025 – Match of the Day (BBC)
- 2014–Present – Founded Goalhanger Films
- 2023–Present – The Rest Is Football (Goalhanger Podcasts)
- Work with NBC Sports, BT Sport, Al Jazeera, Eredivisie Live
BBC Exit & Social Media Controversy (2023–2025)
In March 2023, Lineker compared UK asylum policies to Nazi-era language. This sparked national debate and his temporary BBC suspension. He returned after colleagues staged a walkout in solidarity.
By late 2024, he shared a post featuring a rat emoji—a symbol historically linked to antisemitic propaganda. Following outrage, he apologised twice and stepped down after 26 years. His final Match of the Day appearance aired on 25 May 2025, concluding his legacy as the BBC’s longest-serving MOTD host.
Gary Lineker controversies also included a 2023 tweet endorsing a video interview framing Israeli actions in Gaza as “genocide,” drawing further public backlash.
Gary Lineker’s Personal Life: Wife, Children & Wayne Lineker Feud
Relationships & Family:
- Married Michelle Cockayne (1986–2006), had four sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus.
- Married Danielle Bux (2009–2016), divorced over the desire for children.
- Currently single.
Children:
- Son George survived leukaemia; Lineker became active in cancer charities, including CLIC Sargent and Leukaemia Busters.
Wayne Lineker Fallout:
- In 2024, Wayne publicly criticized Gary for being distant. Their falling out made headlines.
Gary Lineker Net Worth, Salary & Business Ventures
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): £35 million
- BBC Salary: £1.35 million (2024)
- Owns Goalhanger Films & Goalhanger Podcasts (The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Football, Leading, The Rest Is Politics)
- Saved Leicester City from bankruptcy in 2002 with a personal investment; now Honorary Vice-President
Trivia & Lesser-Known Facts
- Never received a yellow or red card
- Fluent in Spanish from his time at Barcelona
- Named in the Paradise Papers for offshore holdings
- Donated £140K to the Red Cross during COVID-19
- Won £4.9M tax case against HMRC in 2023
- Idolized cricketer David Gower
FAQs About Gary Lineker
1. Why did Wayne and Gary Lineker fall out? Due to strained family relations and public disagreements in 2024.
2. How rich is Gary Lineker? His net worth is £35 million as of 2025.
3. Does Gary Lineker have a partner? No. He is currently single after divorcing Danielle Bux.
4. What happened to Gary Lineker? He left the BBC following social media backlash over a post seen as antisemitic.
5. What teams did Gary Lineker play for? Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham, Nagoya Grampus Eight, and England.
6. Did Gary Lineker ever receive a yellow card? No—he is famed for a career without a single booking.
Gary Lineker controversies: Conclusion
The long and turbulent arc of Gary Lineker controversies has reshaped how the public sees this former football icon. From a fair-play legend to a divisive commentator, Lineker’s story is one of reinvention—and it’s far from over.
📌 Read More:
- Micah Richards Biography
- Emily Maitlis BBC Exit & Backlash
- Amol Rajan: BBC Star & Personal Life
- Sophie Raworth Career Highlights
Gary Lineker controversies: Sources
- The Telegraph – Steve Rider interview: Gary Lineker’s downfall was inevitable
- The Guardian – ‘It wasn’t meant to end this way’: Lineker signs off from Match of the Day
- BBC – Lineker says emotional farewell on final Match of the Day
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