How Gary Lineker went from football sensation to BBC star

Gary Lineker is a well-known figure in the world of football and television. He has been the host of the BBC's Match of the Day for an impressive 25 years, guiding millions of fans through the highs and lows of football. Lineker, who earned £1. 3 million last year, is recognized for his witty one-liners that perfectly capture the mood of the fans and the matches. However, these clever remarks are the result of years of hard work and practice in honing his presenting skills. Before becoming a television star, Lineker was a celebrated football player. He played for the England national team, scoring 48 goals in 80 appearances, and he was the captain of the team. Remarkably, throughout his entire playing career, he never received a red or yellow card, showcasing his ability to maintain composure on the pitch. After retiring from football in 1994, Lineker had his sights set on a career in sports journalism, which he considered a backup plan if football did not work out. Fortunately for him, it did. Lineker was known for his sharp instincts on the field, earning the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the 1986 World Cup. He played for several clubs, including Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur, and was the top goal-scorer for England three times. During his playing days, he often mingled with journalists, observing how they crafted their stories and conducted interviews. He realized early on that he wanted to transition into presenting rather than just being a pundit. However, he acknowledged that this transition required a lot of effort. Lineker's initial attempts at broadcasting were not very successful. He started on Radio 5 Live, where he described his early performances as 'fairly appalling. ' Nevertheless, he persevered and learned from experienced colleagues who guided him through the process. Inspired by other former athletes who had successfully transitioned into presenting, Lineker believed that his experience as a top player would give him a unique advantage in the field. His popularity as a footballer helped him gain recognition in the media. In 1991, a stage play titled An Evening With Gary Lineker was written about him, and it was later adapted for television. Lineker also appeared as a team captain on the comedy panel show They Think It's All Over from 1995 to 2003. His big break came in 1997 when he filled in for Des Lynam on the Saturday afternoon sports show Grandstand. By 1999, he had become the main host of Match of the Day, attracting a wide audience for the BBC. Lineker's chemistry with the show's pundits, including other former footballers, made the show enjoyable to watch. He was known for his engaging questions and humorous interactions with his colleagues. One memorable moment occurred in 2016 when he jokingly promised to host the show in his underwear if his former club Leicester City won the Premier League, which they did. However, despite his on-screen success, Lineker faced challenges off-screen. As one of the BBC's highest-paid presenters, he was often under scrutiny. He was not afraid to express his opinions on social media, which sometimes clashed with the BBC's commitment to impartiality. In March of last year, he tweeted about the government's asylum policy, leading to a significant controversy. His colleagues, including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, refused to appear on air in protest of his absence, resulting in a shortened edition of Match of the Day. After nine days, Lineker was reinstated, and he described the situation as 'silly. ' He expressed his love for the BBC and acknowledged that mistakes happen. Despite the ups and downs, Lineker's celebrity status remained intact. He has ventured into other business interests, including a successful podcast production company. However, the BBC is currently facing challenges, and with Lineker's departure, they will need to find a new host for Match of the Day, a task that will not be easy given Lineker's long-standing presence on the show.