England's third-highest goalscorer and 1986 World Cup Golden Boot winner, renowned for his clinical finishing and sportsmanship.
Gary Winston Lineker was born in Leicester on 30 November 1960. He began at Leicester City before joining Everton in 1985, where he scored 40 goals in one season. After winning the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, he moved to Barcelona for £2.8 million, scoring 52 goals in three seasons under Johan Cruyff. He returned to England with Tottenham in 1989, winning the FA Cup in 1991. For England, he scored 48 goals in 80 caps, just one short of Bobby Charlton's then-record. Remarkably, he was never booked or sent off in his entire career. He finished with Grampus Eight in Japan before becoming one of Britain's most recognised TV presenters, hosting Match of the Day for over 25 years.
Winning the 1986 World Cup Golden Boot with 6 goals
He was never booked or sent off throughout his entire professional career — a remarkable record given he played 567 club matches and 80 internationals.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with exceptional positioning and movement in the penalty area
Lasting Impact
One of England's greatest strikers and a respected football broadcaster
Career Honours
- FA Cup 1991
- Copa del Rey 1988
- Golden Boot 1986
- Primera División 1985
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester City | 1978–1985 | 216 | 52 | #10 |
| Everton | 1985–1986 | 44 | 21 | #10 |
| Barcelona | 1986–1989 | 27 | 10 | #10 |
| Tottenham | 1989–1992 | 404 | 237 | #10 |
| Nagoya Grampus Eight | 1992–1994 | 23 | 9 | — |
 England | — | 80 | 48 | — |