Gary Lineker Net Worth: From Football Legend to Media Mogul
Gary Lineker is one of the most recognizable names in British football and broadcasting. From being a top striker to a famous TV presenter, he has built an impressive career. Many people often search for gary lineker net worth to understand how a footballer can succeed long after retirement. This article explores his life, career, and how he made millions.
Who Is Gary Lineker?
Gary Lineker is a former professional footballer turned broadcaster. He played for top clubs like Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur. After retiring from football, he became the host of BBC’s Match of the Day. His work in sports media made him a household name in the UK and beyond.
He is respected not only for his football skills but also for his clear speech, humor, and social awareness. Lineker often uses his platform to share views on politics and humanitarian issues.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Winston Lineker |
| Profession | Ex-Footballer, Broadcaster, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Football legend, Match of the Day presenter |
| Nationality | British |
Early Life
Gary Lineker was born on 30 November 1960 in Leicester, England. His father, Barry Lineker, ran a fruit and vegetable stall. His mother, Margaret, was a homemaker. Growing up in a working-class home, Lineker learned the value of hard work early in life.
As a boy, Gary was passionate about both football and cricket. He played both sports at school but chose football as his future. His talent was visible from a young age, and he soon joined Leicester City’s youth team.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30 November 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Leicester, England |
| Childhood Interests | Football, Cricket |
| Parents | Barry and Margaret Lineker |
Education
Gary studied at Caldecote Road School and later at Leicester Boys’ Grammar School. He earned four O-levels before choosing to follow football full-time. One of his teachers told him he’d never make a living from football. But Gary proved him wrong.
He later received an honorary Master’s degree from Loughborough University for his contribution to sport and media.
| School Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Caldecote Road School | Early education |
| Leicester Boys’ Grammar | Completed O-levels |
| Honors | Honorary MA from Loughborough University |
Family Life
Gary has a younger brother named Wayne Lineker, who is known for his nightclub businesses. Gary married Michelle Cockayne in 1986, and the couple had four sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus. They divorced in 2006.
He later married actress and model Danielle Bux in 2009. Their relationship ended in 2016, but they remain friends. He is also a grandfather, which he often mentions with pride on social media.
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Brother | Wayne Lineker |
| Ex-Wife (1st) | Michelle Cockayne |
| Children | George, Harry, Tobias, Angus |
| Ex-Wife (2nd) | Danielle Bux |
Age and Personal Life
As of June 2025, Gary Lineker is 64 years old. He still looks fit and active thanks to a healthy lifestyle. He is a huge football fan and follows the game closely. He is also passionate about social justice, human rights, and free speech.
Gary enjoys food, wine, and travel. He often shares pictures of his family, pets, and charity work on his online platforms.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Age (2025) | 64 years old |
| Hobbies | Football, Social activism, Travel |
| Languages Spoken | English, Spanish |
| Causes Supported | Children’s cancer, Unicef, Equality |
Career: Football and Beyond
Football Career
Gary began his career at Leicester City in 1978. He became one of the league’s top scorers. He moved to Everton, where he scored 30 goals in one season. After that, he joined Barcelona, where he became a fan favorite and scored in key matches.
He later played for Tottenham Hotspur, winning the FA Cup in 1991. He ended his football journey in Japan with Nagoya Grampus Eight. He scored 48 goals in 80 games for England and won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup.
He is one of the few players who never received a yellow or red card in his career. This earned him the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring in 1994, Gary moved into sports broadcasting. He joined the BBC and later became the main host of Match of the Day. He worked on big events like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and the Olympics.
Gary also helped launch Goalhanger Films, a production company that creates sports and political podcasts. His podcast The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards is a big hit.
| Career Phase | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Football Clubs | Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Spurs, Nagoya |
| England National Team | 48 goals in 80 caps; Golden Boot (1986) |
| Broadcasting | Host of Match of the Day for 26 years |
| Business Ventures | Goalhanger Films & Podcasts |
Current Affairs
In May 2025, Gary Lineker left the BBC after 26 years. His exit came after a political comment on social media caused backlash. Even though the BBC supported him at first, he chose to leave peacefully.
Now, he focuses more on his podcast and media company, Goalhanger. He also manages a team in the Baller League UK, a football entertainment series similar to 7-a-side tournaments.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Political controversy over social media comments |
| 2025 | Resigned from BBC after 26 years |
| Present | Running Goalhanger, Podcast host, Football projects |
Gary Lineker Net Worth
Many fans and media outlets often wonder about gary lineker net worth. As of 2025, it is estimated to be around £30 million or $35 million USD.
This includes his salary from the BBC, earnings from endorsements, and income from his business ventures.
Estimated Breakdown of Gary Lineker Net Worth
| Source | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| BBC salary | £1.35 million/year (2023–24) |
| Walkers Crisps endorsement | £1 million/year |
| Goalhanger Films/Podcasts | ~£2 million + revenue growth |
| London property | ~£4 million |
| Investments & other assets | Several million |
Gary Lineker net worth grew from not just playing but also by being smart with money. He invested in property, launched media businesses, and picked solid endorsements.
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Relationship and Charity Work
Gary remains close with his children and is proud of their careers. His oldest son, George Lineker, survived leukemia as a baby. This inspired Gary to support children’s cancer charities.
He’s a known supporter of Unicef, Hope and Homes for Children, and Fight for Peace. He often shares campaigns to raise awareness on global issues.
He also speaks openly about UK politics, immigration policies, and social inequality. While it causes criticism, many admire his courage.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Children | 4 sons |
| Charity Involvement | Unicef, Hope and Homes, Fight for Peace |
| Key Cause | Childhood cancer (son George is a survivor) |
| Personal Beliefs | Supports refugees, equality, anti-poverty |
Why Gary Lineker Net Worth Matters
Understanding gary lineker net worth shows how athletes can succeed off the field. He used his fame wisely. He transitioned from football to media and then to business.
His life story is a good example for young players. It shows the importance of planning for life after sports. It also proves that education, discipline, and smart choices can lead to success.
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Final Thoughts
Gary Lineker net worth stands today at around £30 million, and it’s still growing. From football pitches to TV screens, and now into digital media, Gary’s journey is inspiring.
He remains one of the most respected figures in British sports. Whether you admire his football, broadcasting, or values, one thing is clear: Gary Lineker is a man of many talents. His net worth reflects more than money—it reflects a life of purpose and hard work.
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