Gary Winston Lineker, an English sports broadcaster and ex-professional footballer, uniquely holds the record as top goalscorer in England with Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur. His career also included playing for Barcelona and earning 80 caps for England. Lineker transitioned to media, notably with the BBC, where he's presented the flagship football program "Match of the Day" since the late 1990s, the longest tenure for any MOTD presenter. He leads BBC's live football match presentations, including international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. His broadcasting experience extends to Al Jazeera Sports, Eredivisie Live, NBC Sports Network, and BT Sport's UEFA Champions League coverage.
November 1960: Birth of Gary Lineker
Gary Winston Lineker was born in Leicester, England, in November 1960.
November 1960: Birth and Family Background
Gary Winston Lineker was born in November 1960, named after Winston Churchill, and grew up in a family of greengrocers in Leicester.
1976: Joins Leicester City Youth Academy
Gary Lineker joined the youth academy at Leicester City in 1976.
1977: Leaves School and Joins Leicester City
Lineker left school and joined Leicester City in 1977.
1978: Lineker Begins Football Career at Leicester City
Gary Lineker started his professional football journey at Leicester City in 1978.
1978: Turns Professional
Lineker turned professional in the 1978-79 season.
1979: Senior Debut
Lineker made his senior debut for Leicester City on New Year's Day 1979.
1980: Limited Appearances
Lineker played only nine league games for Leicester City in the 1980-81 season.
1981: Regular Player and FA Cup Semi-Finals
Lineker became a regular player for Leicester City in the 1981-82 season, scoring 19 goals, and the team reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
1983: Lineker Plays Against Scotland
Gary Lineker plays his first cap against Scotland during the British Home Championship in 1983.
1983: Promotion to First Division
Lineker helped Leicester City secure promotion to the First Division in 1983, scoring 26 goals in the Second Division.
November 1984: Lineker's England B team debut
In November 1984, Gary Lineker made his debut for the England B team in a win against New Zealand's B team.
1984: Joint Top Goalscorer
Lineker became the First Division's joint top goalscorer in 1984.
1984: First Division Regular and Second Highest Scorer
Lineker became a regular in the First Division and finished as the second-highest scorer with 22 goals in the 1983-84 season.
1984: Lineker's England Debut
Gary Lineker made his first appearance for the England national team in 1984, in a match against Scotland.
1984: England Debut
Gary Lineker made his debut for the England national team in 1984.
August 1985: Hat-trick against Birmingham City
Lineker scored a hat-trick against Birmingham City in August 1985.
1985: Everton Denied European Cup Spot
Everton were unable to participate in the 1985-86 European Cup due to a ban on English clubs.
1985: Transfer to Everton and Scoring Success
In 1985, Lineker joined Everton and scored an impressive 40 goals in 57 games during the 1985-86 season, becoming the First Division's leading goal scorer with 30 goals.
1985: Lineker Best Man at Thorne's Wedding
In 1985, Lineker was the best man at Willie Thorne's wedding.
February 1986: Hat-trick against Manchester City
Lineker scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in February 1986.
May 1986: Hat-trick against Southampton
Lineker scored a hat-trick against Southampton in May 1986 in a match that kept Everton's title hopes alive.
1986: Signing with Barcelona
After winning the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup, Lineker was signed by Barcelona.
1986: Lineker's First Marriage
Gary Lineker married Michelle Cockayne in 1986.
1986: World Cup Golden Boot and Ballon d'Or Runner-Up
Lineker won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup and was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or.
1987: Copa del Rey Victory with Barcelona
Lineker won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona in 1987.
1987: Lineker Appears in The Grand Knockout Tournament
In 1987, Gary Lineker participated in Prince Edward's charity television special, The Grand Knockout Tournament.
1988: Copa del Rey Win
Lineker and Barcelona won the Copa del Rey in 1988.
July 1989: Lineker joins Tottenham Hotspur
In July 1989, Gary Lineker signed with Tottenham Hotspur for £1.1 million after declining an offer from Manchester United.
1989: European Cup Winners' Cup Victory
Barcelona, with Lineker, won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1989.
1990: World Cup Semi-Finals
Lineker played a key role in England's journey to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup.
1990: FIFA Fair Play Award
Lineker received the FIFA Fair Play Award in 1990.
November 1991: Lineker agrees to join Nagoya Grampus Eight
In November 1991, Gary Lineker accepted a two-year contract with Nagoya Grampus Eight for a £2 million transfer fee.
November 1991: Lineker's Son Survives Leukaemia
In November 1991, Lineker's son survived a rare form of leukaemia.
1991: An Evening with Gary Lineker Play Premieres
The play "An Evening with Gary Lineker" premiered in 1991.
1991: Lineker finishes as second top scorer
In the 1991-92 season, Gary Lineker was the second-highest goal scorer in the top division with 28 goals, just behind Ian Wright. Despite Lineker's strong individual performance, Tottenham finished 15th.
May 1992: Lineker plays last game for Spurs
Gary Lineker officially joined Nagoya Grampus Eight after his final game for Tottenham in May 1992, scoring a consolation goal in a 3-1 loss to Manchester United.
1992: Lineker Receives Honorary Degree
Gary Lineker received an Honorary Master of Arts degree from Loughborough University in 1992.
September 1994: Lineker retires from playing
Gary Lineker announced his retirement from professional football in September 1994 after two injury-impacted seasons with Nagoya Grampus Eight.
1994: Retirement from Professional Football
Gary Lineker retired from playing professional football in 1994 after a stint with Nagoya Grampus Eight.
1994: Lineker Becomes Patron of Leukaemia Busters
Gary and Michelle Lineker became patrons of Leukaemia Busters in 1994.
1994: An Evening with Gary Lineker Adapted for Television
In 1994, "An Evening with Gary Lineker" was adapted for television.
1994: Lineker Signs Deal with Walkers
In 1994, Gary Lineker signed a £200,000 deal with Walkers Crisps.
1995: Lineker Becomes Freeman of Leicester
Gary Lineker was made a freeman of the City of Leicester in 1995.
1995: Lineker's First Walkers Advert
Gary Lineker's first Walkers advert, "Welcome Home," aired in 1995.
1995: Lineker starts on "They Think It's All Over"
In 1995, Gary Lineker began his media career, appearing as a team captain on the sports game show "They Think It's All Over".
1997: Lineker presents Grandstand
In 1997, Gary Lineker presented Grandstand in the London studio during the Grand National's bomb scare.
1998: Lineker Presents Golden Boots
Gary Lineker presented the BBC series "Golden Boots," a history of the World Cup, in 1998.
1999: Lineker Begins Hosting Match of the Day
In 1999, Gary Lineker began his role as the host of Match of the Day.
1999: Lineker becomes BBC football anchor
In 1999, Gary Lineker replaced Desmond Lynam as the BBC's primary football anchor, including for Match of the Day.
2000: Lineker's Walkers Commercials Ranked
In 2000, Lineker's Walkers commercials were ranked ninth in Channel 4's poll of "The 100 Greatest TV Ads".
October 2002: Lineker Backs Bid to Rescue Leicester City
In October 2002, Lineker supported a bid to rescue Leicester City from administration.
2002: Lineker Appears in Bend It Like Beckham
In 2002, Lineker made a cameo appearance in the film "Bend It Like Beckham."
2002: Investment in Leicester City
Lineker led a consortium to invest in and save Leicester City from bankruptcy in 2002, becoming honorary vice-president.
2003: Lineker ends run on "They Think It's All Over"
In 2003, Gary Lineker finished his role as a team captain on the sports game show "They Think It's All Over".
2005: Lineker becomes BBC golf presenter
In 2005, Gary Lineker took over from Steve Rider as the presenter of the BBC's golf coverage, including the Masters and The Open.
2005: Lineker sued for defamation
In 2005, Gary Lineker was sued for defamation by Harry Kewell over comments in Lineker's Sunday Telegraph column about Kewell's transfer. The jury did not reach a verdict. It was revealed the article was ghost-written.
2005: Lineker Ends Patronage of Leukaemia Busters
In 2005, Gary and Michelle Lineker ended their patronage of Leukaemia Busters.
May 2006: Lineker's First Divorce
In May 2006, Michelle Cockayne filed for divorce from Gary Lineker.
2006: Lineker Voices Underground Ernie
In 2006, Lineker voiced the character Underground Ernie on CBeebies.
December 2008: Lineker Appears on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
In December 2008, Lineker appeared on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" winning £50,000 for charity.
September 2009: Lineker's Second Marriage
Gary Lineker married Danielle Bux in September 2009.
2009: Lineker Hosts Northern Exposure
In 2009, Gary Lineker and his wife Danielle hosted the BBC's "Northern Exposure."
May 2010: Lineker resigns from Mail on Sunday
In May 2010, Gary Lineker resigned from his Mail on Sunday column in protest against the sting operation on Lord Triesman, which threatened England's 2018 World Cup bid.
2012: Lineker leaves Al Jazeera Sport
Gary Lineker left Al Jazeera Sport in 2012 after working as an anchor for their English-language football coverage.
2013: Lineker joins NBCSN
In 2013, Gary Lineker started working for NBCSN, contributing to their Premier League coverage and the US version of Match of the Day.
2013: Lineker Appears on Who Do You Think You Are?
In 2013, Lineker participated in the genealogical programme "Who Do You Think You Are?"
2013: Lineker's Tax Dispute Begins
The tax dispute between Lineker and HMRC covered income from 2013-14 to 2017-18.
May 2014: Lineker Establishes Goalhanger Films
In May 2014, Gary Lineker co-founded the production company Goalhanger Films.
2014: Lineker Appears in Marvellous
Lineker appeared in the BBC TV film "Marvellous" in 2014.
May 2015: Goalhanger Films Produces Documentary
In May 2015, Goalhanger Films produced "Gary Lineker on the Road to FA Cup Glory."
June 2015: Lineker presents BT Sport's Champions League coverage
In June 2015, Gary Lineker was announced as the main presenter for BT Sport's Champions League coverage.
December 2015: Lineker makes promise regarding Leicester City
In December 2015, anticipating Leicester City's unlikely Premier League win, Gary Lineker pledged to present Match of the Day in his underwear if they succeeded.
2015: Rooney Breaks England Goalscoring Record
In 2015, Wayne Rooney surpassed Bobby Charlton's England goalscoring record, a record Lineker nearly equaled but fell one goal short.
January 2016: Lineker's Second Divorce
Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux divorced in January 2016.
March 2016: Gareth Bale surpasses Lineker's La Liga scoring record
In March 2016, Gareth Bale overtook Gary Lineker to become the highest-scoring British player in La Liga history.
August 2016: Lineker presents Match of the Day in boxer shorts
In August 2016, Gary Lineker fulfilled a promise made in December 2015 and presented Match of the Day in his boxer shorts after Leicester City won the Premier League.
October 2016: Lineker Criticizes Refugee Treatment
In October 2016, Lineker criticized the treatment of refugees on Twitter, leading to calls for his sacking from Match of the Day.
December 2016: Lineker Described as "British Left's Loudest Voice"
In December 2016, Lineker was described as the "British Left's Loudest Voice" by Vice News.
2016: Lineker Supports Remain in Brexit Referendum
Lineker endorsed a Remain vote in the 2016 UK European Union membership referendum.
2016: Lineker's BBC salary revealed
Between 2016 and 2020, Gary Lineker earned between £1.75 and £1.76 million annually as the BBC's highest-paid presenter.
November 2017: Lineker Named in Paradise Papers
In November 2017, Gary Lineker was named in the Paradise Papers regarding a tax avoidance scheme.
2017: Lineker Expresses Political Homelessness
Following the 2017 UK general election, Lineker expressed feeling "politically homeless."
2017: Lineker's Tax Dispute Ends
The tax dispute between Lineker and HMRC ended in 2017-2018
July 2018: Lineker Supports People's Vote
Lineker announced his support for the People's Vote campaign in July 2018.
December 2018: Lineker Criticized for Political Views on Twitter
In December 2018, BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew criticized Gary Lineker for expressing political views on Twitter, suggesting it violated BBC impartiality guidelines. A BBC spokesperson defended Lineker, stating his views did not affect BBC impartiality as he wasn't involved in news or political output.
2018: England's 2018 World Cup bid jeopardized
Lord Triesman's comments, revealed in 2010, raised concerns about England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
April 2020: Lineker Donates to British Red Cross
In April 2020, Lineker donated £140,000 to the British Red Cross during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Lineker Appointed Visiting Fellow at Oxford
In 2020, Gary Lineker was appointed a Visiting Fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford.
2020: Lineker's BBC salary details
From 2016-2020, Gary Lineker earned between £1.75-£1.76 million annually at the BBC. His pay decreased to around £1.35 million in 2020-21.
2021: Lineker Hosts Sitting on a Fortune
Lineker began hosting the ITV game show "Sitting on a Fortune" in 2021.
July 2022: Lineker highest paid BBC presenter
As of July 2022, Gary Lineker was confirmed as the BBC's highest-paid presenter, earning between £1.75-1.76 million annually from 2016-2020 and approximately £1.35 million in 2020-21. This sparked criticism from figures like Julian Knight and Esther Rantzen, but BBC Director General Tim Davie defended Lineker's salary.
October 2022: Lineker's Tweet on Conservative Party Donations
In October 2022, the BBC upheld a complaint against Lineker's tweet concerning donations to the Conservative Party, citing a breach of impartiality guidelines.
January 2023: Lineker Criticized for Comments on the United States
In January 2023, Lineker's comments describing the United States as an "extraordinarily racist country" drew criticism from UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan.
March 2023: Lineker steps back from BBC presenting
In March 2023, Gary Lineker temporarily stepped back from his BBC presenting duties for three days following a controversy over his Twitter criticism of the UK government's immigration policy.
March 2023: Lineker Wins Tax Appeal
In March 2023, Lineker won an appeal against HM Revenue and Customs over a £4.9 million tax bill.
December 2023: Lineker Criticizes Rwanda Asylum Plan
In December 2023, Lineker's open letter criticizing the UK's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda led to further accusations of impartiality breaches and complaints to the BBC.
November 2024: Lineker Announces Departure from Match of the Day
In November 2024, Gary Lineker announced he would step down from hosting Match of the Day after the 2024-25 Premier League season.
May 2025: Lineker's Final Match of the Day Broadcast
In May 2025, Gary Lineker hosted his final Match of the Day broadcast, marking the end of his tenure on the program.
2026: Lineker's Criticism of Qatar's Human Rights Record
During the leadup to the 2026 World Cup, Lineker faced criticism from Qatari lawyer Hassan Al-Thawadi, for his coverage of human rights issues in Qatar. Lineker defended himself, stating he covered such issues in other host countries as well