Gary Lineker's 17-year feud with brother Wayne after one woman 'tore them apart'

Gary and have been at odds for nearly 17 years. Despite their familial ties, the brothers have led contrasting lives.

had a stellar football career with clubs like , and before transitioning into broadcasting. He's best known for his 26-year stint on the , and at 64, he presented his final episode on Sunday as the 2024/25 season wrapped up.

On the other hand, Wayne, who is two years Gary's junior, has carved out a successful career in the nightlife industry after initially venturing into business via his father's greengrocers stand. Fast forward to 2025, and Wayne is often spotted living it up at his Ocean Beach club in Ibiza, rubbing shoulders with celebrities and fans eager for a selfie, reports .

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But what caused the rift between Wayne and Gary? delves into the details....

The woman who drove a wedge between them

Gary and Wayne enjoyed a close bond growing up, which extended into their adult lives. They would meet twice a week for a round of and regularly chat over the phone.

However, things took a turn in 2008 when a new woman in Gary's life strained the brothers' relationship. Following the collapse of his first marriage to Michelle Cockayne in 2006, Gary started seeing Welsh actress and model , tying the knot with her in 2009.

Their union, however, ended after seven years, reportedly over differences about starting a family together. But Wayne alleged that Danielle had been causing friction between him and Gary well before their split.

In a candid chat with back in 2015, Wayne said: "They came to Ibiza in August 2008 and it was really awkward. I didn't spark with Danielle and our relationship was cold."

That holiday marked the last time Wayne spoke to Danielle, as he notably missed Gary's wedding to her in 2009, despite having been the best man at Gary's first wedding to Michelle in 1986. It also transpired that Wayne's then-girlfriend – Ana Tanaka – hadn't been invited to the nuptials.

On the incident, Wayne said: "He was my brother and he was telling me that I couldn't bring my girlfriend of a year and a half to his wedding. She was a lovely, polite girl, and not a five-minute girlfriend."

Attempted amends on Gary's 50th

On Gary's 50th birthday, Wayne attempted to mend fences with a phone call, but admitted that the brief and stilted conversation did little to bridge the gap between them. Struggling with the prolonged estrangement from his sibling, he said: "I would love nothing more than him to call me up tomorrow and ask to go to lunch to speak about it, but I don't think it's going to happen."

A 17-year rift

During a chat on last year, Wayne laid bare the strained ties with his brother Gary, confessing that their bond was still frayed despite his deep affection for his elder sibling. He said: "It's not so good to be honest, we don't really speak very often. I'll always be his number one fan."

As Wayne reflected on how their contrasting lifestyles furthered the disconnect between them, he added: "I had all the skill in the but I had no dedication, no commitments, I just wanted to be out with the lads. Gary had every dedication there was, he was super dedicated, but we're completely different siblings.

"He's very straight and narrow, and I'm very naughty and high. So yeah, we've always been like that."

An emotional appeal

Wayne turned to in November with a poignantly heartfelt appeal to Gary, posting an emotive series of childhood and adult photographs of the two. Accompanying the images, his message read: "The universe works in mysterious ways. 55 years ago I used to go to Kenwood Road outdoor pool with my mum Dad and brother Gary every week during the summer holidays.

"This was at this time, I know this because it was only open a few years and sadly closed due to English weather – we didn't get enough sunny days like ibiza. It doesn't look too dissimilar to how Ocean does now – stick a few orange cups in people's hands, some round beds in the pool, a few umbrellas and you got O beach .

"Built on this land by developers were houses – our parents purchased one and Gary and I grew up there until we were adults. The number of the house on Kenwood road was 10, the very same number my bro wore on his England shirt throughout his 80 international games.

"Gary and I share the most incredible memories in that house, 2 brothers rarely leaving each others side..one of my favourite memories of us is both clearing the lounge every Saturday of furniture when mum and dad were out making a goal each end just to play one on one football for hours... ofc (of course) then carefully replacing the furniture before coming home.

"They never did find out... I know for a fact that they will be looking down on us with one wish. That would be to become proper brothers again. #lifestooshort."

Wayne also shared a photo of the Kenwood Road pool, as well as another of an England shirt with his brother's name and number adorned on it.

Gary the GOAT

Gary took his leave from Match of the Day on Sunday, signing off not just from the programme he has led since 1999 but also his tenure at the . The broadcaster allocated time for Gary's moving exit speech at the end of the episode in which he expressed gratitude to the BBC, colleagues, backstage crew, and loyal viewers for their constant support throughout the years.

BBC Sport shared footage of Gary's emotional farewell on Instagram after his final broadcast, with the caption: "Here's how said goodbye to Match of the Day after 25 years."

And Wayne was swift to respond in the comments section, sharing a goat emoji – widely recognised as an acronym for 'greatest of all time' – demonstrating that despite their turbulent relationship spanning nearly 20 years, he still regards his brother with great esteem.

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