Gary Lineker

Gary Winston Lineker OBE, (born 30 November, 1960), was a notable English international footballer.

Born in Leicester, he became probably the foremost English striker of his generation. Lineker's intelligence enabled him to cope better than his contemporaries when playing in continental Europe, as well as to make a smooth transition into a role as pundit and sports broadcaster.

He began his career at his hometown club of Leicester City in 1976 and broke into Leicester first-team squad in 1978. He rose to fame with Everton (1985-86) scoring 30 goals in 41 games, before signing with Barcelona with whom he won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1989. He returned to England for three seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 67 goals in 105 games and winning the F.A. Cup, before ending his career with an injury plagued spell in the Japanese league with Nagoya Grampus Eight.

He first played for England's national team against Scotland in 1984, winning the Golden Boot at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and reaching the semi-finals in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football with 80 caps and 48 goals, one fewer than Bobby Charlton's England record (though Lineker scored his 48 goals with 26 fewer caps than Charlton took to score his 49).

He was English footballer of the year in 1986 and, despite his long career, was never cautioned by a referee for foul play (never once receiving either a yellow or red card, in the modern professional and international game this is thought to be unprecedented).

Following retirement he commenced a career in the media, replacing Des Lynam on the BBC's flagship football television programme Match of the Day, and as a team captain on the sports game show They Think It's All Over from 1995 to 2003.

His popularity has enabled him to appear in a light hearted series of commercials for Walker's crisps, playing a comical role which sends up his reputation as a nice guy.

In October 2003, Lineker announced a five million pound rescue plan for cash-strapped club Leicester City, describing his involvement as charity rather than an ego trip.

Lineker said that he would invest a six-figure sum and other members of his consortium would invest a similar amount. Lineker met the fans' group to persuade them to try and raise money to rescue his former club.