Overview
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 over two decades.
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As player and pundit, Gary Lineker has been a prominent figure in English football for over 40 years. He scored 48 goals in 80 games for England and is the only player to have been top goal-scorer 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.
As an England player, Lineker was also at the centre of memorable World Cup campaigns. In 1986 his hat-trick turned round the nation's fortunes, before they were then struck down by Maradona's 'Hand of God'. In 1990 his goals helped England reach an unforgettable semi-final against Germany where his response 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. His relaxed style was occasionally laced with controversial opinions or principled stands – one of which reduced the programme to a silent, truncated version.
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 – the first for 30 years – provides a fascinating insight into one of English football's most popular characters.
This book title, Gary Lineker (A Portrait of a Football Icon), ISBN: 9781399416993, by Chris Evans, published by Bloomsbury USA (June 10, 2025) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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