Gary Lineker Biography

England international striker Gary Lineker retired from football in 1994 and is currently the face of BBC Sports broadcasting. He became involved with the SRtRC campaign as the presenter of our 2000 SRtRC anti-racist educational film, subsequently repeating this generous act for our 2004 and 2008 SRtRC films, and also the 2005 A Safe Place film. Utilising such an instantly recognisable and highly esteemed personality to host these films boosts their status, professionalism and, ultimately, their impact. In 2003 Gary joined NUFC legend Sir Bobby Robson during our young persons’ Q+A at St James’ Park. The BBC filmed and included this in a documentary on Sir Bobby, which again enhanced our campaign’s profile

Gary began his football career at Leicester City and was a prolific goalscorer, finishing as the First Division's joint top goalscorer in 1984-85 and earning his first England cap. He moved to Everton where he remained a clinical finisher, scoring 38 goals in 52 games. His first team honours came at FC Barcelona where he won the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1989. He returned to England in 1989, joining Tottenham Hotspur, and over three seasons he scored 67 goals in 105 games and won the FA Cup. Gary's final club was Nagoya Grampus Eight and he retired in 1994 after two seasons at the Japanese side.

Gary made his England debut in 1984 and over the following eight years earned 80 caps and scored 48 goals, finishing as England's all-time second highest scorer. His international goals-to-games ratio remains one of the best for the country and he is regarded as one of the all-time best English strikers. He was top scorer in the 1986 World Cup and received the Golden Boot, the only time an Englishman has achieved this feat. He is also the only player to win the English Golden Boot with 3 different clubs (Leicester, Everton and Tottenham). Gary is noted for never having been cautioned or sent off by a referee. He now presents Match of the Day.