Gary Lineker

ENGLAND CAPTAIN. WORLD CUP HERO. SERIAL GOALSCORER. MATCH OF THE DAY HOST. FOOTBALL ICON.

This new biography – the first for 30 years – looks at the phenomenal career of Gary Lineker, and how he became one of England’s greatest ever goal-scorers and the BBC’s leading football presenter for more than two decades.

'Full of pace and style, just like its subject ... a vivid, nostalgic reminder of Lineker’s greatness as a player' - Leo McKinstry
'Skilfully crafted – there is not much more you can ask from a biography' – Patrick Barclay

As player and pundit, Gary Lineker has been a prominent figure in English football for more than 40 years. He scored 48 goals in 80 games for England – coming within a penalty of being the country’s record goalscorer – and is the only player to have topped the goalscoring charts at three different clubs. He famously never received a red or yellow card, and hosted the BBC’s Match of the Day for 25 years.

This enlightening biography follows Lineker’s career, from the school report which said, 'He concentrates too much on football’ to his phenomenal goalscoring record and development as a media personality. Through meticulous research and interviews with teammates and opponents, coaches, journalists and commentators, the book reveals the inside stories and backroom anecdotes from his early days at Leicester City; the big-money moves to Everton and Tottenham Hotspur; and the highs and lows of spells at Barcelona and Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan.

While playing for England, Lineker was also at the centre of memorable World Cup campaigns. In 1986 his hat-trick turned round the nation’s fortunes and helped win him the tournament’s golden boot, before England were struck down by Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’. In 1990, his goals helped England reach an unforgettable semi-final against West Germany, where his reaction to Gazza’s tears was truly iconic. His post-football career saw him become a consummate presenter on Match of the Day and other BBC Sports broadcasts.

Gary Lineker always played with a smile on his face and an assassin’s touch in front of goal, while his charm and playful humour won over millions on TV. This biography provides a fascinating insight into one of English football’s most popular characters.