Gary Lineker is a former English professional footballer who spent most of his career playing as a striker for Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nagoya Grampus Eight. Born in Leicester in 1960, Lineker started his football career at the age of 16 when he joined his hometown club Leicester City. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-team debut in 1979 and scoring his first goal in the same match. Over the next few years, Lineker established himself as one of Leicester's most talented players and was eventually named their player of the year in 1983. After a successful season with Leicester, Lineker was sold to Everton for a then-British transfer record fee of £800,000. He performed outstandingly for Everton, leading the team to win the FA Cup in 1984 and to become the league's top scorer in the following season. After three seasons at Everton, Lineker was sold to Barcelona where he continued his impressive goal-scoring form, scoring 42 goals in 103 appearances. In 1989, Lineker returned to England to join Tottenham Hotspur where he remained until his retirement in 1994. Apart from his successful club career, Lineker also had a glittering international career with the England national team, scoring 48 goals in 80 appearances. After retiring from football, Lineker has worked as a television presenter and pundit.

Gary Lineker is not just a name in the realm of football; he is a symbol of excellence, determination, and sportsmanship that transcends the boundaries of the sport itself. His journey from the streets of Leicester to the global stage of football has inspired countless individuals, solidifying his legacy as one of England's greatest strikers. Lineker's story is not merely about goals scored or accolades received; it encompasses the values of hard work, resilience, and humility. Born on November 30, 1960, in Leicester, England, Lineker's love for football was evident from a young age. He was raised in a supportive family environment where sports were not only encouraged but celebrated. This foundational support would play a crucial role in shaping his character and aspirations. Lineker's early experiences on local pitches, combined with his natural talent, paved the way for his future success. His humble beginnings resonate with many, as they highlight the notion that greatness often arises from modest circumstances. Lineker's professional career began at Leicester City, where he quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional goal-scoring ability. His time at Leicester was marked by dedication and hard work, which earned him a place in the hearts of fans. This was just the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him play for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur. Each club played a vital role in his development as a player and as a person. Perhaps one of the most significant milestones in Lineker's career was the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. This tournament not only showcased his incredible skill on the pitch but also catapulted him into international fame. Scoring six goals during the tournament, he emerged as the top scorer, solidifying his status as a footballing icon. Lineker's ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it mattered most exemplified his character, inspiring a generation of footballers to dream big. Beyond his on-field achievements, Lineker's transition into a successful broadcasting career has further cemented his status in the public eye. His articulate insights and engaging personality have made him a beloved figure in sports media. Lineker has adeptly navigated the shift from player to pundit, utilizing his platform to discuss football while maintaining a strong connection with fans. His approach to broadcasting reflects his deep understanding of the game and his genuine passion for sharing it with others. Moreover, Lineker's philanthropic efforts showcase his commitment to giving back to the community. He has actively supported various charitable causes, using his influence to bring awareness to important issues. This aspect of his life demonstrates that, beyond the accolades and recognition, Lineker possesses a strong moral compass and a desire to make a positive impact in the world. As we explore the chapters of this eBook, we will delve deeper into the various stages of Gary Lineker's life and career. From his early influences that ignited his passion for football to the challenges he faced and overcame throughout his journey, each chapter offers a unique insight into what makes Lineker a remarkable figure in the world of sports. In essence, Gary Lineker's story is one of perseverance, talent, and dedication. It serves as a reminder that success is not merely defined by achievements but by the character and values one embodies along the way. As we embark on this exploration of his life and legacy, we invite you to reflect on your own journey, drawing inspiration from Lineker's remarkable ability to rise above challenges and make a lasting impact on the world around him.

Football isn't life or death - it's much more serious than that... Which players will the fans never forget? Who are the Premier League's best buys? Who were the best link ups in history? In Match of the Day Top 10 of Everything, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards bring all of the charm, wit and punditry of their hit BBC Sounds podcast onto the page, arguing the toss over their favourite strikers, Premier League managers, shock transfers, cult heroes, hard men, FA Cup Finals, and much, much more. The question is...will you agree with their picks?

An Introduction to Drugs in Sport provides a detailed and systematic examination of the extent of drug use in sport and attempts to explain why athletes have, over the last four decades, increasingly used performance-enhancing drugs. Richly illustrated throughout with case studies and empirical data, this book is essential reading for anybody with an interest in the relationship between drugs, sport and society.

Remember Sergio Aguero's late goal to win the title for Man City? Or, best of all, Geoff Hurst's hat-trick wining the World Cup for England in 1966? Over half a century, Match of the Day has witnessed some of the greatest moments in football history, week in, week out. From the big shorts and brown leather balls of the Stanley Matthews era, through the classic tussles of the old First Division, right up to the glamour of the globe-spanning game that we know today, football has undergone an incredible journey - and now, in this milestone 50th year, Match of the Day celebrates the very best of the drama and the heartache. With evocative memorabilia and photography throughout, relive the story of the beautiful game, season-by-season. Featuring favourite Match of the Day memories from top players and long-standing members of the MOTD team, this is the ultimate collection of football memories for any fan.

***Includes a new foreword by Gary Lineker about football in lockdown*** Shortlisted for The Telegraph Sports Book Awards 'Lineker is nearly as good a presenter as I was a footballer' DIEGO MARADONA 'Hilarious, almost as funny as me' ALAN SHEARER 'This is Lineker unleashed. As a non-football nut I didn't expect to enjoy it, but between laddish anecdotes are passages of sudden tenderness. . . Lineker opens up, dislodging memories and reflections, not just about football but his whole life.' THE TIMES _______________________________________________________________ 'Football is a simple game. 22 players chase a ball for 90 minutes, and at the end the Germans always win.' This book is inspired by the stories Danny and I have shared with each other about what life in football is really like: in the dressing room, in the commentary box, on the pitch and - with the appropriate pixellation - in the showers afterwards. What's it really like to play with Messi? I wouldn't know, but I have starred alongside him in an advert for Walkers crisps. And, well, his performance was world-class. And what is a life in football really like? You won't learn much from the dull-as-dishwater post-match interviews - it's a world of secrets, superstitions, laughs and personalities, and let me tell you, half of it you won't believe. I've looked back at my playing days, from England to Leicester, Everton to Barcelona, Tottenham to, er, Nagoya Grampus Eight, and shared the chaotic behind-the-scenes secrets of Match of the Day - and Danny has chipped in with stories from a lifetime following the game as a fan. From Italia '90 to Leicester's Premier League fairytale, from yellow cards to World Cup trophies (I've never been awarded either), from Gascoigne to Maradona, you'll find it all here - everything you always wanted to know about football, but didn't realise that you did. Inspired by the No.1 podcast Behind Closed Doors

Celebrities have always captured the imagination of the public. In today's age of consumerism, their ability to influence our behaviour can be seen worldwide. Harnessing this power can reap huge rewards for business — the Jamie Oliver campaign helped turn around Sainsbury?s fortunes, with the return on investment estimated at £27.95 for every advertising pound spent; sales of Walker?s Crisps increased by 105% thanks to Gary Lineker; One to One re-launched its brand with stars including Kate Moss and Elvis Presley. Celebrity Sells demonstrates the awesome power of famous names, when skilfully used, to sell brands and offers practical advice on how to develop and advertise a brand using celebrities, including: How to choose the right celebrity for your brand How to build your brand using a celebrity How to manage relationships with celebrities How to protect celebrity and brand reputation