The world of football punditry has never looked livelier, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes center stage and brings together three of the sport’s most recognizable voices—Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards—for a whirlwind ride across continents and television screens. Their hit podcast, The Rest is Football, isn’t just making waves—it’s topping Netflix’s viewing charts, captivating fans with a blend of expert insight, playful banter, and behind-the-scenes stories that only seasoned pros can deliver.
This summer, the trio has taken their show to new heights—literally and figuratively—by broadcasting from a studio perched above Manhattan’s iconic Times Square. The move marks a bold step for the podcast, offering a front-row seat to the action as the world converges on the United States for one of football’s most anticipated tournaments. “We’re overlooking Times Square,” Gary Lineker quipped, taking a gentle jab at the BBC’s Salford studio, which has drawn its share of criticism for lacking the glitz and glamour of its American counterpart.
It’s a fitting backdrop for three men whose careers have spanned the globe. All three have donned the Three Lions shirt, with both Shearer and Lineker boasting memorable World Cup appearances. Alan Shearer, in particular, remains a legend in English football. Not only does he still hold the record for most Premier League goals scored—a staggering achievement that earned him a spot among the inaugural inductees into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021—but his legacy extends into broadcasting, where his insights are as sharp as his finishing once was.
Shearer’s journey from the pitch to the podcast studio is matched only by his rich family life. Married to Lainya since 1991, Shearer is the proud father of three. His eldest daughter, Chloe, 32, has carved out her own niche in talent management, working with brands like Soccer Aid and Footwork, a sports management and marketing agency. In November 2025, Chloe got engaged to England rugby player Micky Young, sharing the joyful news on social media with the playful caption: “Forever young.” Alan’s reaction was classic dad—“About time too!” he declared, brimming with pride.
Then there’s Hollie Shearer, the family’s youngest daughter at 30, who’s making waves as a professional singer. Her soulful covers of tracks like “Leave Right Now” and “Love You Better” have earned her a devoted following. Love seems to run in the Shearer household—Hollie also got engaged to an England rugby star, Joe Marchant, in November 2024. Marchant’s romantic proposal in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, had Hollie exclaiming: “BEST DAY EVER!! Got to say yes to my favourite person.” Alan was quick to share in the excitement, flooding the comments with joyful emojis.
Alan’s only son, Will, has chosen a slightly different path. While he dabbled in football, it’s rugby that truly captured his heart. Back in 2018, Shearer revealed, “He does play football, but it is rugby he really likes. There are plenty of other kids like him in Newcastle who would rather do something else than go to St James’ Park.” The Shearer family’s sporting spirit clearly knows no bounds, whether on the pitch, in the studio, or in the music world.
As for Micah Richards, he’s been living life at a breakneck pace this World Cup. The former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender, capped 13 times for England, has been jetting back and forth across the Atlantic to juggle his broadcasting commitments. Richards made a 3,345-mile journey from New York to Salford to join BBC One’s coverage of Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina, only to turn around and head straight back to Manhattan. “I’ll be making trips from New York to the UK every few days,” Richards revealed, describing a schedule that would leave most people breathless.
Richards’ face is now a familiar sight in Times Square, thanks to Netflix’s live streaming of The Rest is Football. But it’s not just football fever gripping the Big Apple. Richards and Shearer both soaked up the electric atmosphere as the New York Knicks took a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. “It felt great, more importantly, it’s been about the Knicks because they haven’t won it (NBA play-offs) for years,” Richards told presenter Gabby Logan. “We won’t feel it until America play (their first World Cup games) but out there it was buzzing. But I’m absolutely buzzing—thanks for the call-up.”
Shearer echoed the sentiment, describing a city alive with celebration: “You could still hear the horns this morning after the New York Knicks win. I was lucky enough to be in a bar that was rammed and off the charts with people going mad. I watched the first two quarters and got out before the chaos started and on my way back to the hotel this place was rocking—people beeping horns and going crazy. New York is alive and kicking as are the New York Knicks.”
The Rest is Football’s success is a testament to the chemistry and credibility of its hosts. All three bring a wealth of playing experience, a deep understanding of the game, and a knack for storytelling that keeps listeners coming back for more. Their presence on Netflix throughout the World Cup ensures that fans have a trusted, entertaining source to navigate the tournament’s twists and turns—whether it’s breaking down tactics, sharing locker-room anecdotes, or simply having a laugh at each other’s expense.
Meanwhile, the World Cup itself is shaping up to be a spectacle. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, heads into the tournament with high hopes and a manager who’s pledged to “add a second star” to the Three Lions’ crest. The competition among broadcasters is fierce, with ITV’s Brooklyn studio drawing praise while the BBC’s Salford setup faces criticism. Yet, it’s The Rest is Football’s Manhattan studio—with its sweeping views of Times Square—that has truly captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
With the action still unfolding and the world’s eyes fixed on the United States, The Rest is Football podcast stands as the go-to destination for those seeking insight, humor, and a genuine love for the beautiful game. As Lineker, Shearer, and Richards continue to bridge continents and connect with fans, one thing is certain: this World Cup summer is delivering stories both on and off the pitch that fans won’t soon forget.
Stay tuned as the tournament drama continues, with The Rest is Football trio guiding viewers through every twist, turn, and unforgettable moment on football’s biggest stage.