Today, November 30, 2025, marks the 65th birthday of Gary Lineker, one of English football’s most iconic figures, known not only for his remarkable scoring record but also for a career defined by fairness, class, and a smooth leap into broadcasting fame.
Softfootball reports that Lineker’s journey began at Leicester City, the club of his hometown, where his sharp instincts in front of goal quickly made him stand out. That knack for finishing carried him to Everton, where he produced one of the most astonishing seasons in English football history, scoring 40 goals across all competitions.
But it was on the global stage that Lineker delivered his defining moment: the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. With six goals, he claimed the Golden Boot and became the only English player to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
Across 80 appearances for England, he netted 48 goals, a number that stood for years as the nation’s second-highest tally. Yet what truly set him apart wasn’t just the goals, but the way he played the game.
Throughout his entire professional career, Lineker never received a yellow or red card, a rare achievement that highlighted his intelligence, timing, and commitment to playing the sport the right way.
His club career also included a memorable spell at FC Barcelona, and for the club that just recorded a straightforward victory against Alaves, he lifted both the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners’ Cup before returning to England to win the FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur.
After hanging up his boots in 1994, Lineker didn’t step away from the spotlight; instead, he reshaped his legacy through broadcasting. He is even still vocal on social media, as he today addressed a misconception video about his public appearance today in a post via his official X account.
He posted:
If you must know, I was going to a chemist with my daughter-in-law to get some medicine for her unwell husband…my son. Hatred is a dreadful weakness.
Watch the video:
As the long-time presenter of BBC’s Match of the Day, he became the familiar voice and face of English football for more than two decades. Softfootball even reported when Gary Lineker gave his opinion on England’s easy World Cup qualification run.
Even beyond the world of sports, Lineker has become known for his honesty, empathy, and willingness to speak on social issues. Whether on the pitch or in the studio, his influence has stretched far beyond goals and trophies.
At 65, Gary Lineker remains a symbol of excellence, integrity, and impact — a legend whose story continues to inspire.
