Lineker goes from soccer star to TV host to liberal champion
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The 62-year-old Lineker, who was reinstated by Britain’s national broadcaster on Monday, is a former soccer star — indeed, one of England’s greatest players — who has transitioned into being a slick, witty and knowledgeable TV personality and an all-around media darling. In the middle of that period was a three-year spell at Spanish club Barcelona, where he scored 42 goals in 103 league games — including a hat trick against Real Madrid in the “clasico” — to earn himself the nickname “El Matador.” After finishing his playing career with a trailblazing move to Japanese team Grampus Eight from 1992-94, Lineker embarked on a media career that didn’t immediately seem a natural fit for someone who, initially, was awkward, wooden and slightly timid in front of the cameras, despite having appeared in TV commercials for British potato chip company Walkers. Lineker then started to excel as the main host of “Match of the Day” — a late-night soccer highlights program that has been running since the 1960s and is regarded as an institution in Britain. In solidarity with Lineker, his “Match of the Day” colleagues, like English soccer greats Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, and the program’s commentators said they were not willing to work.
History of this topic
Alan Shearer addresses Gary Lineker exit in unusual opening to Match of the Day
The Independent
Gary Lineker breaks social media silence on shock announcement he will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season
Daily Mail
Dumping Gary Lineker is a self-destructive move the BBC will live to regret
The Independent
'Gary Lineker can buy his own leaving present!' BBC presenter says staff 'won't be having a whip round' in swipe at star's £1.3m salary after he was axed as host of Match of the Day
Daily Mail
Gary Lineker became the face of the BBC – but his exit shows everyone is replaceable
The IndependentLineker leaving BBC soccer show ‘Match of the Day’
Associated Press
Who should replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day? Join The Independent Debate
The Independent
Revealed: The favourites to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day presenter - with England legend set to leave iconic BBC show after 26 years at the end of the season
Daily Mail
Gary Lineker: Key events in career of footballer and presenter
The Independent
‘It’s my final show’: Lineker jokes on air about future on Match of the Day
The Telegraph
Micah Richards STUNS Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer with shocking and hilarious admission about his playing career... as they joke: 'No wonder you made so many mistakes!'
Daily Mail
Gary Lineker news: Match of the Day star says ‘great to be here’ as he returns to BBC
The Independent
Gary Lineker back on air to lead BBC’s FA Cup coverage
Associated Press
Lineker goes from soccer star to TV host to liberal champion
Associated Press
Gary Lineker to return as ‘Match of the Day’ host as BBC apologises for disruption
The Hindu
BBC reinstates Lineker after Twitter row: 'difficult period...apologise for…'
Hindustan Times
Why Lineker is barred from hosting BBC MOTD and why did fellow pundits boycott the weekend’s show
The Hindu
BBC crisis escalates as players, stars back suspended soccer host Gary Lineker
Hindustan Times
BBC boss Tim Davie speaks up amid Gary Lineker row; Rishi Sunak reacts too
Hindustan Times
Lineker off flagship BBC soccer show after Twitter posts
Associated Press
Rio Ferdinand praises Gary Lineker as he calls time on hosting BT Sport Champions League coverage
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