Gary Lineker Reveals Why He Is ‘Done’ With Love After BBC Exit

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Gary Lineker Reveals Why He Is ‘Done’ With Love After BBC Exit

20.06.2026 20 June 2026
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Gary Lineker Reveals Why He Is ‘Done’ With Love After BBC Exit

Lineker Rules Out New Romance

Gary Lineker has opened up about his love life, saying he no longer expects to settle down with anyone again.

The former Match of the Day presenter, who is in North America for World Cup 2026 coverage, spoke candidly on Louis Theroux’s podcast about relationships, ageing and life after the BBC. When the conversation turned to romance, Lineker suggested that single life now feels natural to him.

“I like being on my own.”

The ex-England striker explained that he has become used to making his own decisions and living without having to answer to a partner. He said his home life is quiet but full enough, with his dog for company and his four sons often visiting. Although he still enjoys spending time with women friends, he admitted that the idea of starting a serious relationship now feels unlikely.

Lineker was previously married to Michelle Cockayne. Their marriage lasted 20 years and ended in divorce in 2006. They have four adult sons together: George, Harry, Tobias and Angus. In 2009, Lineker married Danielle Bux in Italy, but the couple split in 2016. Despite the separation, they have stayed friendly and have been pictured together socially since.

The personal admission comes during a significant new phase in Lineker’s career. In May 2025, he left Match of the Day after 26 years as host, closing one of the BBC’s longest and most familiar football broadcasting chapters. His era on the programme connected him with major names from its history, including Des Lynam and Alan Hansen.

His BBC departure came after criticism of his political activity online. The controversy included an Instagram post about Zionism that showed a rat, an image widely recognised as an antisemitic trope. Lineker later said sharing it had been an error and acknowledged that people had been hurt by it.

Lineker has since moved his football work to Netflix. His Goalhanger Podcasts show The Rest Is Football is becoming a daily World Cup 2026 programme with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. The tournament will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With FIFA president Gianni Infantino overseeing the expanded competition, Lineker admitted the event carries political tension. However, he said the football remains the reason to watch.

LINEKER Gary

Footballer
#71
SHEARER Alan

English football pundit
#218
THEROUX Louis

British and American journalist
#193
HANSEN Alan

Scottish former footballer and BBC television football pundit
#449
RICHARDS Micah

former professional footballer
#1020
LYNAM Desmond

British television and radio presenter
#1025
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

#1
Netflix

#3
The Federation internationale de football association (..

#23

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Section: sport

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