In the world of football, few figures are as beloved as Gary Lineker. The former England international and Match of the Day host has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the friendliest faces in the game. Yet, recent revelations have highlighted rifts with notable personalities, particularly Jose Mourinho, and resurfaced accusations of personal grievances made by his critics. These developments not only shake the foundation of Lineker’s amiable image but also cast a shadow of doubt on his character.
During a recent episode of the Match of the Day Top 10 Podcast, Lineker opened up about his complicated relationship with Mourinho, the former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager. Despite their past rapport, where they exchanged messages frequently, Mourinho has become distant. “He doesn’t love me anymore. I’ve definitely upset him, I don’t know why. He used to text me saying he loves the show and watches the show,” Lineker confessed, revealing a feeling of rejection. The tension has reached a point where Mourinho appears uncharacteristically standoffish whenever they cross paths.
Lineker recounted a specific incident where he was contacted by GQ magazine to present an award to Mourinho, only for the former manager to express a preference for receiving the recognition from someone outside of football. This triggered an awkward conversation that Lineker sensed might have led to their diminishing friendship, as he lamented, “I asked him and said ‘are we ok?’ He was offish, and I thought there was something wrong.” This confrontation appears to echo a broader pattern of Mourinho’s history with various players and colleagues, as he has had fallouts with figures like Daniel Levy and Wayne Rooney in the past.
While Mourinho may have a reputation for rugged interpersonal dynamics, Lineker is now facing scrutiny from another quarter altogether. Recently, former footballer Matt Le Tissier reignited a long-festering dispute by alleging that Lineker possesses 'skeletons in his closet.' This claim, reminiscent of accusations made by controversial footballer Joey Barton back in 2012, hints at an image of Lineker that runs counter to his public persona. Le Tissier remarked, “I can tell you that Gary Lineker is not the angel that he likes to portray himself to be. Ask Joey Barton!”
This suggestion of hidden truths, elevated by Barton’s earlier insinuations, has prompted speculation about Lineker's private life. Barton previously had a public spat with Lineker, wherein he accused him of hypocrisy, stating, “Think u should have a look in that vast closet of skeletons before you respond.” Lineker has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains a clean public record, but the allegations persist, hinting at a deeper discord beneath the surface of his poised exterior.
The animosity between Lineker and Le Tissier isn't confined to personal accusations; it has also intersected with political views, particularly surrounding COVID-19 and government policies. Le Tissier, known for his outspoken positions, has critiqued the government's responses to the pandemic. When Lineker mockingly responded to one of Le Tissier's comments about the Covid vaccine, “Yeah Matt, why didn’t someone come up with a flu vaccine?” it reignited their feud and showcased their stark ideological differences.
This divide became more pronounced in March 2023 after Lineker was temporarily stood down from his Match of the Day duties for criticizing the UK Government's Illegal Immigration Bill. In an impassioned tweet, he labeled the policy “beyond awful,” drawing immediate backlash. Le Tissier did not miss the chance to comment on Lineker’s suspension, stating, “This didn’t age well. Btw Gary should be entitled to his opinion unless his contract with the BBC says otherwise.” These incidents have led to Le Tissier accusing Lineker of 'virtue signaling' and questioning his integrity, suggesting that his fabricated moral high-ground distorts the reality.
Despite this personal and political fallout, Lineker remains one of the most visible figures in football broadcasting, underscored by his long history in the sport. His private life has been notable, too. Lineker married Michelle Cockayne in 1986, with whom he has four sons. However, the couple divorced in 2006, citing his 'unreasonable behavior.' In 2009, Lineker remarried Danielle Bux, but they split in 2016 because he did not want more children. This cyclical legacy of relationships, combined with growing public scrutiny, suggests that even the most pristinely polished characters can harbor complexities that are not immediately visible.
In another twist, Lineker faced a significant tax dispute with HM Revenue and Customs, initially pursued for a staggering £4.9 million tax bill. However, he ultimately triumphed in court, with a judge ruling he was a freelancer with separate contracts with the BBC and BT Sport during the disputed years. Such challenges only add layers to his public image, with many still viewing him through a lens of speculation regarding his alleged skeletons.
As Lineker approaches a transitional phase in his career—with reports indicating he may step down from Match of the Day as he hands over the reins to presenters like Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan—the question lingers: will the stories of his hidden past ever come to light? For now, Matt Le Tissier remains tight-lipped about the secrets he claims Lineker harbors. What is clear is that within the often glamorous world of football, the intricacies of personal relationships and public personas often collide, revealing that not everything is as straightforward as it may seem.
