Even in retirement, Gary Lineker hasn’t lost his sense of humour—especially when it comes to his private life.
The former footballer, who spent 25 years presenting Match of the Day before leaving in May, recently poked fun at his own dating record during a chat on The Rest is Football podcast.
Laughing About Life After Divorce
Lineker, 62, shared a lighthearted moment with fellow football legend Alan Shearer while recounting his journey to Craven Cottage on a Lime Bike to watch Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
“I think it’s decades and decades since I sat on any kind of a bike,” Lineker laughed, noting it had been his first time riding a Lime Bike.
Shearer quipped, hinting at the 15 years since Lineker split from his second wife, Danielle Bux: “It’s probably the first time you’ve had a ride in 15 years!”
Lineker joined in the laughter, conceding, “Sadly, that’s probably true, Al.
But anyway…” His tongue-in-cheek comment about intimacy after his divorce had listeners chuckling along with the duo.
Life on His Own Terms
This isn’t the first time Lineker has opened up about his love life recently.
Back in April, he made it clear he had no plans to re-enter the dating scene.
When Micah Richards teased him about “getting you a partner” on the podcast, Lineker was quick to shut down the idea.
“I’m so happy on my own,” he said. “I’ve got lots of friends I go out with and have dinner and have fun. I’m alright, Micah, honestly.
I’ve been married most of my adult life and I’m quite set in my ways and comfortable on my own now.”
A Look Back at Lineker’s Marriages
Lineker’s first marriage was to model and actress Michelle Cockayne in 1986.
Together, they had four sons before splitting in 2006, citing alleged “unreasonable behaviour,” though both later described the divorce as amicable.
He married Welsh actress and model Danie
lle Bux in 2009 in Italy, but the couple announced their separation in January 2016 after Lineker decided he didn’t want more children. Despite the split, Lineker and Bux have maintained friendly terms.
Finding Happiness Solo
Through it all, Lineker seems content with life on his own.
He continues to stay connected with friends, enjoys social outings, and embraces his independence, proving that happiness doesn’t always come with a partner—sometimes it comes from enjoying life exactly as it is.
