Gary Lineker stands as one of England’s most famous footballer and a conspicuous media identity. From his remarkable football career to his compelling part in broadcasting and social commentary, Lineker has cleared out an indelible mark on the world of sports and media.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born on November 30, 1960, in Leicester, Britain, Gary Lineker created an enthusiasm for football at an early age. He joined the youth group of Leicester City, where his ability rapidly became apparent. Lineker’s goal-scoring ability led to his advancement to the senior group, checking the starting of a recognized career in proficient football.
Club Career Highlights
Leicester City (1978–1985)
Lineker’s professional debut came with Leicester City, where he showcased his remarkable goal-scoring capacities. Over seven seasons, he scored 95 objectives in 194 appearances, gaining a notoriety as one of the most promising strikers in English football.
Everton (1985–1986)
In 1985, Lineker was traded to Everton, where he proceeded to awe with his goal-scoring frame. Amid his single season at the club, he got 30 objectives in 41 matches, making a difference as Everton secured the 1986 FA Cup.
Barcelona (1986–1989)
Lineker’s following move took him to Barcelona in Spain, where he played under the management of Johan Cruyff. Despite a successful stint, counting on winning the Copa del Rey, Lineker’s time at Barcelona was checked by conflicting exhibitions, leading to his departure after three seasons.
Tottenham Hotspur (1989–1992)
Returning to Britain, Lineker joined Tottenham Hotspur, where he delighted in a productive period. He scored 67 objectives in 105 appearances, contributing essentially to the team’s victory amid his tenure.
Nagoya Grampus Eight (1992–1994)
In 1992, Lineker moved to Japan to play for Nagoya Grampus Eight. His nearness in the J.League helped raise the profile of football in Asia, and he proceeded to illustrate his goal-scoring capacities before resigning from proficient football in 1994.
International Career and World Glass Glory
Lineker’s worldwide career with the Britain national team was marked by critical accomplishments. He earned 80 caps and scored 48 objectives, making him England’s fourth-highest objective scorer at the time.
Strikingly, Lineker won the Brilliant Boot as the best scorer in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, scoring six objectives and driving Britain to the quarterfinals. He too played a vital part in England’s elimination round run in the 1990 World Cup, including four more objectives to his tally.
Post-Retirement: Broadcasting and Media Ventures
BBC’s “Match of the Day”
Following his retirement from football, Lineker transitioned into broadcasting, becoming the host of BBC’s lead football program, “Match of the Day.” He served as the host from 1999 until his flight in 2025, supervising the show’s advancement and keeping up its status as a staple of British football coverage.
Goalhanger Podcasts
In addition to his TV career, Lineker co-founded Goalhanger Podcasts in 2018. The company has created a few prevalent podcasts, counting “The Rest Is Football,” “The Rest Is Politics,” and “We Have Ways of Making You Talk.” These podcasts have gathered millions of downloads, building up Lineker as an unmistakable figure in the podcasting world.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Beyond his professional achievements, Lineker is known for his individual life and promotion work. He has been hitched twice and is a father to four children. Lineker is moreover recognized for his natural activism and bolster for different charitable causes.
Controversies and Social Media Presence
Lineker’s frank views on social and political issues have sometimes driven to contentions. In 2023, he faced suspension from the BBC for comments made on social media regarding the UK government’s asylum policies. This incident sparked discussions about the BBC’s impartiality rules for moderators. Hence, the BBC presented new rules permitting moderators to express individual views on issues and arrangements, given they do not lock in in political campaigning.
Despite these controversies, Lineker remains dynamic on social media, though he has communicated concerns about the progressively poisonous nature of stages like X (formerly Twitter). He has decreased his movement on the stage, emphasizing the significance of mental wellbeing and respectful discourse.
Retirement from “Match of the Day”
In April 2025, Lineker declared his choice to step down as the host of “Match of the Day” at the conclusion of the 2024–2025 football season. He cited the want to center on other projects, counting his podcasting wanders and charity work. His takeoff marks the conclusion of a time for the program, with Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Stamp Chapman set to share facilitating obligations moving forward.
What company does Gary Lineker own?
Gary Lineker is the co-founder and majority stakeholder of Goalhanger Podcasts, a quickly developing British podcast generation company. Established in 2019 nearby previous ITV sports controller Tony Pastor and ex-BBC journalist Jack Davenport, Goalhanger has quickly become a noteworthy player in the UK podcasting scene.
The company produces an assorted extent of prevalent podcasts, counting The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Football, which collectively attract millions of downloads and sees each month.
In the fiscal year 2024, Goalhanger reported a remarkable £1.4 million benefit, with retained profit expanding to £2.03 million and cash savings developing to £2.7 million. The company’s victory is credited to its high-quality substance and vital extension, counting the launch of new appearances like The Rest Is Classified, a podcast centering on surveillance and insights.
Gary Lineker net worth
As of 2025, Gary Lineker’s assessed net worth stands at roughly £30 million (around $35 million USD). This fortune has been amassed through his famous football career, noticeable broadcasting parts, and effective wanderings in podcasting and endorsements.
Final Thoughts
Gary Lineker’s travel from a productive footballer to a regarded media identity is a confirmation to his flexibility and persevering impact in the world of sports and media. His commitments to football, broadcasting, and social commentary have cleared out a permanent check, guaranteeing his bequest proceeds to motivate future generations.
FAQs
Has Gary Lineker ever won a Premier League title?
No, despite his prolific goal-scoring record, Lineker never won a Premier League title amid his playing career.
What are Goalhanger Podcasts?
Goalhanger Podcasts is a media company co-founded by Gary Lineker, specializing in creating and disseminating podcasts. The company has created a few prevalent podcasts, counting “The Rest Is Football” and “The Rest Is Politics.”
Why was Gary Lineker suspended by the BBC in 2023?
Lineker was suspended by the BBC in 2023 due to comments made on social media regarding the UK government’s refugee approaches, which were regarded to breach the corporation’s impartiality guidelines.
Is Gary Lineker still dynamic on social media?
While Lineker remains dynamic on social media, he has decreased his movement on stages like X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns about the increasingly toxic nature of the stage and its effect on mental wellbeing.
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