50 Facts About Gary Lineker

Early Life and Education

Gary Lineker's journey began in Leicester, England. His early years set the stage for a remarkable career in football and beyond.

1. 01Gary Winston Lineker was born on November 30, 1960, in Leicester, England.
2. 02He attended Prebendal School in Leamington Spa before moving to Leicester Grammar School.

Football Career

Lineker's football career is legendary. He played for top clubs and left an indelible mark on the sport.

3. 03He started his professional career at Leicester City in 1978.
4. 04Lineker played for Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona.
5. 05He is the only player to be the top goalscorer in England with three clubs: Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur.
6. 06Lineker made his England debut in 1984, earning 80 caps and scoring 48 goals.
7. 07In the 1986 FIFA World Cup, he scored six goals, earning the Golden Boot.
8. 08He holds England's record for goals in the World Cup.
9. 09Lineker played in Euro 88 but failed to score due to hepatitis.
10. 10Despite never winning a top-flight league title, he scored 331 goals in his senior career, including 283 at club level.
11. 11In 1990, he received the FIFA Fair Play Award for his conduct on and off the pitch.
12. 12After retirement, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.

Media Career

Transitioning from the pitch to the screen, Lineker became a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.

13. 13He began his media career on the BBC for Radio 5 Live and as a football pundit.
14. 14Lineker has presented the flagship BBC football program Match of the Day since the late 1990s.
15. 15He is the BBC's lead presenter for live football matches, including international tournaments.
16. 16Lineker has worked with networks like Al Jazeera Sports, Eredivisie Live, NBC Sports Network, and BT Sport.
17. 17He appeared as a team captain on the sports game show They Think It's All Over from 1995 to 2003.
18. 18In 1997, he presented Grandstand during the Grand National bomb alert.
19. 19In 1999, he replaced Desmond Lynam as the BBC's anchorman for football coverage.
20. 20Following Steve Rider's departure, he became the presenter for the BBC's golf coverage.
21. 21In 2009, Lineker and his wife hosted a series of the BBC's Northern Exposure.
22. 22He made cameo appearances in TV shows and movies like Bend It Like Beckham and Ted Lasso.
23. 23In 2013, he participated in the genealogical program Who Do You Think You Are?
24. 24In 2021, Lineker started hosting the ITV game show Sitting on a Fortune.

Author and Book

Lineker's passion for football extends to writing, where he shares his insights and favorite moments.

25. 25He wrote a book titled 50 Times Football Changed the World.
26. 26The book was co-authored with TV writer Ivor Baddiel.
27. 27It features illustrations by Erica Salcedo.
28. 28A limited number of signed copies are available from retailers like Waterstones and WH Smith.
29. 29The book was released on October 13, 2022.
30. 30Lineker shares his favorite football stories that have united people against all odds.
31. 31The book includes ‘Game-Changer Awards’ for impactful individuals in football.
32. 32Readers can pre-order the book from various retailers.

Personal Life and Legacy

Lineker's personal life and legacy are as impressive as his professional achievements.

33. 33He is a keen supporter of Leicester City and led a consortium in 2002 to save the club from bankruptcy.
34. 34His efforts earned him the position of honorary vice-president of Leicester City.
35. 35During his career, Lineker never received a yellow or red card.
36. 36The book explores how football has united people and changed the world.
37. 37It highlights pioneering players who have used their platforms for good.
38. 38Young footballers from non-league teams teach lessons about inclusion and sportsmanship.
39. 39The book features illustrations by Erica Salcedo, adding a visual element to the stories.
40. 40Signed copies are available from retailers like Waterstones and WH Smith.
41. 41The book was released on October 13, 2022.
42. 42Lineker shares his personal journey as a footballer and broadcaster.
43. 43It highlights how football has united people against all odds.
44. 44The ‘Game-Changer Awards’ recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact.
45. 45Readers can pre-order the book from various retailers.
46. 46Lineker has made numerous media appearances, showcasing his versatility.
47. 47In 2013, he participated in Who Do You Think You Are?, discovering his family history.
48. 48In 2021, he started hosting the ITV game show Sitting on a Fortune.
49. 49The book explores how football has changed individual lives.
50. 50Gary Lineker's legacy extends beyond his playing career and media work.

Gary Lineker: A Legacy Beyond the Pitch

Gary Lineker's journey from a talented footballer to a respected media personality is nothing short of remarkable. His achievements on the field, like being the top goalscorer in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, have cemented his status as a football legend. Off the pitch, his transition into broadcasting, especially as the long-time host of Match of the Day, showcases his versatility and charisma. Lineker's dedication to football extends beyond playing, as seen in his efforts to save Leicester City from financial ruin. His book, 50 Times Football Changed the World, highlights his passion for the sport and its impact on society. Lineker's legacy is not just about goals and accolades; it's about his influence on football culture and media. His story inspires both fans and aspiring professionals, proving that passion and dedication can create a lasting impact in any field.