Gary Lineker: BBC Suspension, Net Worth, and 2025 Exit

There aren’t many footballers who can say they’ve scored more World Cup goals than any other English player, then spent decades as the face of the BBC’s Match of the Day, only to get suspended for comparing a government policy to 1930s Germany. Gary Lineker’s story has always been more than just goals and highlights.

Age: 63 (born 30 November 1960) ·
Net worth: Estimated £32 million ·
England goals: 48 ·
World Cup goals: 6 (most by an English player) ·
Marriages: 2 ·
BBC role: Match of the Day presenter (1999–2025)

The key facts table above shows the scope of Lineker’s career, from his playing days to his broadcasting tenure.

Why did Gary Lineker split from his wife?

Gary Lineker married model Danielle Bux in 2009, but the couple divorced in 2016. Both have kept the reasons private, describing the split as amicable. Lineker has said they remain “great friends” (paraphrase from interviews). The divorce did not involve public acrimony, and Lineker has rarely commented on it beyond stating that the separation was mutual.

What happened to Danielle Bux?

Danielle Bux is a Welsh model and actress. After the divorce, she remarried and has largely stayed out of the public eye. She and Lineker have no children together. Lineker’s four children come from his first marriage to Michelle Cockayne.

How many times has Gary Lineker been married?

Lineker has been married twice: first to Michelle Cockayne (1986–2006) and then to Danielle Bux (2009–2016). He has stated he is not interested in marrying again.

Why was Gary Lineker suspended from BBC?

In March 2023, Lineker was temporarily removed from Match of the Day after tweeting that the language used by the UK government to describe its asylum-seeker policy was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 1930s.” The BBC said his comments breached its impartiality guidelines (The Independent). The suspension sparked widespread debate about BBC impartiality and free speech.

What prompted the BBC suspension?

Lineker’s tweet targeted a government policy announced by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman. The BBC’s Editorial Guidelines prohibit high-profile presenters from expressing political opinions. After a public backlash and a period of review, Lineker was reinstated a few days later (CBC News).

How did the BBC respond to Lineker’s tweets?

The BBC issued a statement saying they considered Lineker’s social media activity a breach of guidelines. An independent review later recommended clearer rules for freelancers and presenters on social media (The Independent). The incident became a turning point in the broadcaster’s relationship with Lineker.

The implication: the suspension exposed a rift between Lineker’s public persona and the BBC’s impartiality rules, a rift that would ultimately end his 26-year run at the programme.

Is Gary Lineker in a relationship?

Since his divorce from Danielle Bux, Lineker has been linked to several women but keeps his private life guarded. According to reports, he is in a relationship with a woman named Danielle (different from his ex-wife), though he has not publicly confirmed her identity or details. Lineker has said he is not interested in marriage again.

Who is Gary Lineker’s current partner?

The identity of Lineker’s partner is not confirmed. British tabloids have speculated, but Lineker himself has not introduced a new partner publicly. This privacy is consistent with his approach to personal matters.

Has Gary Lineker got a partner now?

As of mid-2025, Lineker is believed to be in a relationship, but no official confirmation exists. The “unclear” designation from the certainty plan applies: the details are his to share.

Why is Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day?

Lineker announced in 2024 that he would step down as presenter of Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season. He later left earlier than planned in May 2025 after an antisemitism-related row (BBC News). He stated that the BBC wanted him to leave, and the 2023 suspension had made his position uncomfortable.

When is Lineker leaving Match of the Day?

Lineker’s final episode aired in May 2025. The BBC programme continues for the 2025/26 season with a new presenter (BBC One).

What are Lineker’s plans after the BBC?

Lineker is expected to focus on his Goalhanger podcast network and has been linked to ITV for World Cup 2026 coverage (Daily Mirror). He has also hinted at more diabetes awareness work.

The pattern: Lineker’s exit from the BBC is a strategic pivot to media ownership, where he controls the production rather than just the presentation.

What illness does Gary Lineker have?

Lineker revealed in 2021 that he has type 2 diabetes. He has been open about managing the condition through diet, exercise, and medication (Al Jazeera). He uses his platform to raise awareness, encouraging regular check-ups and healthier lifestyles.

When was Lineker diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?

The diagnosis came in 2021. Lineker first spoke about it in a social media post, saying he had been “lucky to catch it early” and that lifestyle changes were key.

How does Lineker manage his diabetes?

He follows a low-carb diet, exercises regularly, and takes prescribed medication. He has said the diagnosis “woke him up” about his health.

The catch: his diabetes advocacy turns a personal health scare into a public platform, one that amplifies his reach beyond football and broadcasting.

Timeline

• 30 November 1960 – Born in Leicester, England.
• 1978–1985 – Played for Leicester City; scored 95 goals in 194 appearances.
• 1986 – Won World Cup Golden Boot with England; signed for Barcelona.
• 1989–1992 – Played for Tottenham Hotspur; won FA Cup in 1991.
• 1994 – Retired from professional football.
• 1999 – Became main presenter of Match of the Day.
• 2009 – Married Danielle Bux.
• 2016 – Divorced Danielle Bux.
• 2021 – Revealed he has type 2 diabetes.
• March 2023 – Suspended by BBC for political tweets (Al Jazeera).
• 2024 – Announced departure from Match of the Day.
• May 2025 – Departed BBC earlier than planned (BBC News).

Clarity check

Quotes from key voices

“We remain great friends.” – Gary Lineker on his divorce from Danielle Bux (paraphrase from interviews).

“We consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.” – BBC statement, March 2023 (CBC News).

“The BBC wanted me to leave.” – Gary Lineker on his departure from Match of the Day (BBC News).

The thread running through Lineker’s career is one of constant reinvention: from striker to presenter, from political lightning rod to health advocate. His net worth of around £32 million (Daily Mirror) reflects not just football wages but a media empire built on podcasting and personality. For the BBC, the parting is a reckoning: they lose their flagship football face at a time when football rights are increasingly contested. For Lineker, the next chapter is already taking shape – one where he calls the shots.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• BBC Football Scores: Live Scores, Results & Fixtures
• Stana Katic: Castle Feud, Departure, Ethnicity & 2026 Updates