Gary Lineker - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Gary Winston Lineker was born on November 30, 1960 in Leicester, England. He grew up as a fervent supporter of Leicester City Football Club (LCFC). As a child, he was highly passionate about the sport of football, playing regularly and demonstrating exceptional skill and mastery of the game. Lineker attended the Caldecote Road School and later the City of Leicester Boys' Grammar School.
Starting His Professional Career
Lineker began his professional career at his local club, Leicester City, making his debut for the club in 1979. Over the next seven years, Lineker made over 190 appearances for the team, scoring more than 100 goals. This successful stint with the club showcased his proficiency as a lethal striker, piquing the interest of several top-tier clubs.
Career at Everton
Lineker moved to the Merseyside club Everton for the 1985-86 season. Despite only spending one season at the club, he was prolific, scoring 30 goals in 41 appearances. He won the Golden Boot, awarded to the top goal scorer in the Football League, but Everton narrowly missed out on the league title.
Barcelona Era
Gary Lineker's performance caught the eye of FC Barcelona, one of Europe's top clubs, who subsequently signed him in the summer of 1986. He found success in Spain, scoring 21 goals in 41 appearances in his first season. One of his most memorable moments came when he scored a hat trick in a match against arch-rivals Real Madrid, a feat that triggered a surge of love from the Barcelona fans. He spent three seasons in Barcelona, scoring a total of 52 goals in 137 matches.
Tottenham Hotspur and His Later Career
After his time at Barcelona, Lineker returned to England in 1989 to play for Tottenham Hotspur. He went on to become a key player for Spurs, scoring 80 goals in 138 appearances. He won the FA Cup with the club in 1991. Lineker closed out his football career in Japan, playing with Nagoya Grampus Eight from 1992-1994.
International Career
Lineker made his England debut in 1984, and went on to represent his country in three World Cups, 1986, 1990 and 1992. He won the Golden Boot in the 1986 World Cup and was instrumental in England reaching the semi-finals in the 1990 World Cup. He scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for England, making him one of the top goal scorers in England's history.
Post Football Career
Lineker's charisma and football knowledge enabled him to easily transition into a media career after his days on the pitch. He is currently a host on BBC's 'Match of the Day', and has also engaged in other media projects including contributing to articles and commentary for various football-related publications.
Honors and Achievements
Lineker's club and international career saw him win numerous accolades. Aside from his Golden Boot awards for both club and country, he also won the FIFA Fair Play award in 1990. He was also inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003 in recognition of his impact on the English game.
Personal Life
Lineker has been married twice, first to Michelle Cockayne with whom he has four children, and currently to Danielle Bux. Away from football, Lineker is famously known for his love of junk food, particularly crisps. He has appeared in many advertisement campaigns for Walkers Crisps, a Leicester-based company. Lineker is also known for his philanthropic activities, particularly with Children’s hospitals and charities.
Legacy
Having scored goals at every level and won prestigious accolades, Lineker will always be remembered as one of England's greatest strikers. His reputation for fair play, only ever receiving a single yellow card in his career, is testament to his approach to the game. Furthermore, his successful transition from a sports career to media has solidified his status as a beloved figure in the footballing world.
