One of the greatest forwards in England’s football history, Lineker transitioned into a successful career as a football analyst and presenter after retiring from playing. He hosted the BBC’s iconic football show Match of the Day for 25 years. However, Lineker recently found himself at the center of controversy for expressing support for Palestine.
Diego Maradona made the 1986 World Cup his own winning the title and being named the tournament’s best player. But who was the top scorer of that World Cup? The answer: English striker Gary Lineker.
Gary Lineker
That controversy led to his dismissal. Within a week of sharing a pro-Palestinian post on social media, Lineker was sacked by the BBC. The network is ending its 25-year relationship with him following the final matchday of the English Premier League. Though he was contracted until the 2026 World Cup, that agreement is no longer in effect.
Lineker later said he regretted that the image he shared unintentionally included a symbol that has previously been associated with antisemitism. Despite this, many human rights advocates believe his dismissal is part of a wider trend in Western media where individuals who criticize Israel or express solidarity with Palestine are being silenced. Similar incidents have occurred across the U.S. and Europe, involving journalists, academics, and public figures.