Gary Lineker has declared he is "done" with romance, admitting he is too selfish to cohabit with another woman. The former Match of the Day host, aged 65, is preparing to travel to America for the World Cup but has called full time on any long-term relationships.
Lineker on Being Single
Speaking on the Louis Theroux podcast, Lineker said: "I like being on my own. I've got so accustomed to it now and being slightly selfish, but unanswerable to anyone." He added: "I'm absolutely happy on my own… Me and a dog. But my boys are always around."
When Theroux asked about romance, Lineker replied: "No, I think I'm done. I don't know, you never know, but I just can't imagine actually living with someone again." Asked about his "physical needs," he joked: "You get to a certain age where it's so much effort," and quipped about "a big blue pill." He added: "It might change, but you know, I love women's company. I've got a lot of friends that I go out to dinner with."
Past Marriages and Family
Lineker is a father of four and was married to Michelle Cockayne for 20 years before their divorce in 2006. They have four grown sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus. He later married Danielle Bux in Italy in 2009, and they ended their six-year marriage in 2016, though they remain friends and have been seen dining together since.
BBC Departure and Controversy
Gary stepped down after 26 years as Match of the Day host in May 2025, following criticism over airing his political opinions on social media. His departure came after a row over an Instagram post about Zionism featuring a depiction of a rat, historically an antisemitic insult. Reflecting on his time at the BBC, Lineker said: "I think the BBC's problem… they're so obsessed with trying to placate… the Daily Mail type newspapers… that would get rid of the licence fee in a heartbeat." He admitted the Instagram post was a mistake: "That one I felt bad about… I could see why some people would be upset… I was happy to apologise." He added: "It's like a marriage with the BBC… we were starting to run out of love… I'll always love the BBC."
World Cup and Netflix Show
Lineker will take The Rest Is Football, produced by his company Goalhanger Podcasts, to Netflix for the 2026 World Cup, featuring a daily TV show with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. He admitted uncertainty about the event's politics but said: "In terms of football, I'm looking forward to it… once it starts, we concentrate on football and all is well with the world."
The Louis Theroux Podcast is available on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
