Gary and Wayne Lineker have been estranged for nearly 17 years, with a rift that began in 2008 after Gary started a relationship with actress and model Danielle Bux. The brothers, once close, now rarely speak.
Gary, 64, enjoyed a stellar football career with Leicester City, Tottenham and Barcelona before becoming a broadcaster, notably hosting BBC's Match of the Day for 26 years. Wayne, two years younger, built a successful nightlife business, including the Ocean Beach club in Ibiza.
The feud reportedly started when Wayne felt Danielle caused friction. In a 2015 interview, Wayne said their relationship was 'cold' after meeting her in Ibiza in 2008. He missed Gary's 2009 wedding to Danielle, despite being best man at Gary's first wedding, because his then-girlfriend Ana Tanaka was not invited.
Wayne attempted to reconcile on Gary's 50th birthday but described the call as 'brief and stilted'. In a 2024 podcast, he admitted they 'don't really speak very often', adding: 'I'll always be his number one fan.'
In November 2024, Wayne posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute with childhood photos, writing: 'The universe works in mysterious ways.' The post referenced their shared past but did not mention any resolution.
