Gary Winston Lineker was born 30 November 1960 in Leicester, England. He is the son of Barry Lineker, a fruit and vegetable merchant, and Margaret P. Lineker. Growing up in Leicester, he worked in the family market stall before pursuing a football career.

Lineker began his professional football career with Leicester City in 1978, becoming one of England’s most prolific strikers. He later played for Everton, FC Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan. He scored 48 goals for England and won the Golden Boot at the 1986 FIFA World Cup as the tournament’s top scorer.

After retiring from football in 1994, Lineker moved into broadcasting. He joined BBC Sport in 1995 and became the long-time host of Match of the Day on BBC One, presenting the programme for over two decades. He also fronted coverage of the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and FA Cup for the BBC.

Lineker is also a businessman and media entrepreneur, co-founding the podcast production company Goalhanger, which produces successful podcasts including The Rest Is History and The Rest Is Politics.

He has four sons and lives primarily in London while remaining involved in football media, podcasting, and charity work.