Early Life and Education of Gary Lineker: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 25, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Gary Lineker. From birth to education, explore key events.

Gary Lineker is a celebrated English sports broadcaster and former professional footballer. As a player, he excelled as a striker, uniquely achieving top goalscorer status in England with three different clubs: Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur. He also played for Barcelona and represented England in 80 international matches. Since the late 1990s, he has been the face of BBC's 'Match of the Day,' becoming its longest-serving presenter. Additionally, Lineker serves as the BBC's primary presenter for live football events, including major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. He has also contributed to various other sports networks, like Al Jazeera, Eredivisie Live, NBC Sports and BT Sport.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

November 1960: Gary Lineker Born

Gary Lineker was born on November 30, 1960, he is an English sports broadcaster and former professional footballer.

November 1960: Lineker's birth in Leicester

On November 30, 1960, Gary Winston Lineker was born in Leicester, to parents Margaret and Barry Lineker.

1977: Leaves School

In 1977, Lineker left school and began his career at Leicester City.

1985: Best man at Willie Thorne's wedding

In 1985, Gary Lineker was the best man at snooker player Willie Thorne's wedding. Their close friendship was featured in the VHS production, Best of Friends.

1986: Marriage to Michelle Cockayne

In 1986, Gary Lineker married Michelle Cockayne.

November 1991: Son's recovery from leukaemia

In November 1991, Gary Lineker's eldest son survived a rare form of leukaemia after being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

October 2002: Backing Leicester City rescue bid

In October 2002, Gary Lineker backed a £5 million bid to rescue his former club Leicester City, which had recently gone into administration. He invested a six-figure sum and met with fans to raise money.

2002: Saves Leicester City from Bankruptcy

In 2002, Lineker led a consortium that invested in Leicester City, saving it from bankruptcy.

May 2006: Divorce from Michelle Cockayne

In May 2006, Michelle Cockayne filed for divorce from Gary Lineker, citing his "unreasonable behaviour" as the reason.

September 2009: Marriage to Danielle Bux

On 2 September 2009, Gary Lineker married Danielle Bux in Ravello, Italy.

2013: Participation in Who Do You Think You Are?

In 2013, Gary Lineker participated in the genealogical programme Who Do You Think You Are? and discovered an ancestor who was a poacher, and another who was a legal clerk.

January 2016: Divorce from Danielle Bux

On 13 January 2016, Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux announced they were divorcing after six years of marriage, due to Gary not wanting more children.

2020: Visiting Fellow at Oxford

In 2020, Lineker was appointed as a Visiting Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford.

December 2023: Criticism of Rwanda Asylum Plan

In December 2023, Lineker signed an open letter criticizing the government's proposal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, which resulted in accusations of violating impartiality and a complaint to the BBC.