Gary Lineker Biography: Gary Winston Lineker born 30 November 1960 is a renowned English sports broadcaster and former professional footballer who played as a striker. He holds the unique distinction of being the only player to finish as the top goalscorer in England while playing for three different clubs: Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Gary Lineker Biography
Gary Winston Lineker OBE was one of English football’s most iconic strikers during the 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his sharp instincts, football intelligence, and composed demeanor, he combined goal-scoring prowess with an exemplary attitude both on and off the pitch. Remarkably, in a professional career spanning 14 years, Lineker was never booked or sent off—a rare distinction in the game. He rose to prominence at Everton F.C., after starting his career with Leicester City F.C.. His success in England led to a high-profile move to F.C. Barcelona, and after a stint in Spain, he returned to England to play for Tottenham Hotspur. He concluded his playing days with a two-year spell at Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan, retiring due to a foot injury. Following retirement, Lineker transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a leading football presenter and pundit for the BBC.
Gary Lineker Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Gary Winston Lineker | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 30 November 1960 | ||
| Place of birth | Leicester, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.77 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
| Category | Football Biographies | ||
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About Gary Lineker
Gary Winston Lineker is an English sports broadcaster and former professional footballer who played as a striker. Lineker is the only player to have been the top goalscorer in England with three clubs: Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. He also played for Barcelona in Spain, and won 80 caps for England.
Gary Lineker Wiki
- Born: 30 November 1960 (age 64 years), Leicester, United Kingdom
- Dates joined: 1992 (Nagoya Grampus) ·
- Spouse: Danielle Bux (m. 2009–2016), Michelle Cockayne (m. 1986–2006)
- Children: George Lineker, Tobias Lineker, Harry Lineker, Angus Lineker
- Position: Forward
- Siblings: Wayne Lineker
- Salary: 20 lakhs GBP
Gary Lineker Achievements
He also had a successful spell with Barcelona in Spain and earned 80 caps for the England national team. Lineker began his media career with the BBC, where he has been the lead presenter of the long-running football show Match of the Day since the late 1990s, making him the programme’s longest-serving host. In addition to this, he anchors the BBC’s coverage of major live football events, including international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. He has also worked with networks such as Al Jazeera Sports, Eredivisie Live, NBC Sports Network.
Early Life
Gary Lineker was born in Leicester on 30 November 1960, the son of Margaret P. (née Abbs) and Barry Lineker. He was given the middle name “Winston” in honour of Winston Churchill, with whom he shares his birthday. He has a younger brother named Wayne. The Lineker family lived in Leicester, where Gary and Wayne often played football together. His father, Barry, was a greengrocer, as were his father and grandfather before him, and ran a fruit and vegetable stall in Leicester Market.
Gary frequently helped out at the stall during his childhood and early football years. Despite being white, he faced racial abuse as a child due to his darker features. He began his education at Caldecote Road School in Braunstone, later attending the City of Leicester Boys’ Grammar School in Evington. Lineker chose that school primarily because it focused on football rather than rugby. Excelling in both football and cricket, he captained.
Gary Lineker Facts
Where does Gary Lineker live? And how much money does Gary Lineker earn?
| Birth Date | 30-11-1960 |
| Heritage/origin | British |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Non-religious |
| Residence | He owns a house in Surrey, United Kingdom. |
Gary Lineker Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 35 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | unknown million |
| Product Endorsements | Walkers Crisp |
| Colleagues | Heston Blumenthal & Wayne Rooney |
| Management | unknown |
Houses
- Surrey house ($3 million)(Home Office • )
Cars
BMW
- M6 - manufactured by BMW ($40.000)
Gary Lineker: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Married (Since 2007) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Gary Lineker | Danielle Bux |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Michelle Cockayne |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: George Lineker, Harry Lineker, Tobias Lineker, Angus Lineker |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Barry Lineker (Father)
- Margaret Lineker (Mother)
- Wayne Lineker (Brother)
- George Lineker (Son)
- Tobias Lineker (Son)
- Harry Lineker (Son)
- Angus Lineker (Son)
Friends
- Alan Hansen
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This charming TV Presenter & football player originating from Leicester, United Kingdom has a slim body & oval face type.
| Hair color | Grey |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | short hair |
| Hairstyle | simple |
| Distinct feature | skin |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type II: Fair skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Does Gary Lineker smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 180 cm |
| Weight | 74 kilo |
| Clothing style | classic |
| Favorite colors | black |
| Feet size | 12 |
| Biceps | 26 |
| Waist size | 120 |
| Buste size | 160 |
| Butt size | 131 |
| Does Gary Lineker have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What made Gary Lineker stand out as a footballer?
Gary Lineker was known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, sharp football intelligence, and calm demeanor, making him both a clinical striker and a respected professional.
Did Gary Lineker ever captain the England national team?
Yes, Gary Lineker captained the England national team during his international career, leading by example with consistent performances and leadership on the field.
Why did Gary Lineker retire from football?
Lineker retired from professional football due to a recurring foot injury sustained during his time with Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan.
How did Gary Lineker transition into television after football?
After retiring from football, Lineker became a prominent sports broadcaster and pundit, notably becoming the face of BBC’s football coverage, including Match of the Day.
What role did Gary Lineker play in England’s 1986 World Cup campaign?
In the 1986 World Cup, Lineker played a crucial role by scoring a hat-trick against Poland and contributing goals in later matches, helping England reach the quarter-finals.
Which international goal by Lineker is most remembered?
One of Lineker’s most remembered goals came against Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final—a match famous for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and solo goal.