Gary Lineker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Gary Lineker. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1986: World Cup Golden Boot

In 1986, Lineker won the Golden Boot at the World Cup, scoring six goals.

1987: Copa del Rey Winner

In 1987, Lineker won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona.

1988: Wins Copa del Rey with Barcelona

In 1988, Lineker won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona.

1989: Wins European Cup Winners' Cup

In 1989, Lineker won the European Cup Winners' Cup with Barcelona.

1990: FIFA Fair Play Award

In 1990, Gary Lineker was honored with the FIFA Fair Play Award.

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.

1991: Wins FA Cup with Spurs

In 1991, Lineker won the FA Cup Final with Tottenham Hotspur, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1.

1992: Honorary Master of Arts Award

In 1992, Lineker received an Honorary Master of Arts award from Loughborough University.

1995: Freeman of the City of Leicester

In 1995, Gary Lineker was made a freeman of the City of Leicester.

2000: Walkers commercials ranked in top TV ads

In 2000, Gary Lineker's Walkers commercials were ranked ninth in Channel 4's poll of "The 100 Greatest TV Ads".

July 2022: Highest-paid BBC presenter

As of July 2022, Gary Lineker was reported as the highest-paid BBC presenter for several years, earning between £1.75 and £1.76 million annually between 2016 and 2020.

March 2023: Tax Appeal Victory

On 28 March 2023, Gary Lineker won an appeal against HM Revenue and Customs over a £4.9 million tax bill. A judge ruled he was a freelancer and had contracts with the broadcasters.