From Childhood Sweetheart Michelle to Amicable Ex Danielle: Gary Lineker's Enduring Romantic Journey

Gary Lineker, the celebrated English football legend turned beloved sports broadcaster, has navigated a romantic life marked by two significant marriages and a unique approach to post-divorce relationships. Known for his clean-cut image on the pitch and his insightful commentary off it, Lineker's personal life, particularly his enduring friendships with his ex-wives, has often captured public interest, presenting a refreshing perspective on modern family dynamics.

Lineker's first journey into matrimony began with his childhood sweetheart, Michelle Cockayne. The couple met in their teenage years, with Gary, then an 18-year-old rising star at Leicester City, first asking out Michelle when she was 17. Their love story blossomed, leading to their wedding in 1986 at St Mary's Church in Knighton, Leicester. The event was a public affair, with hundreds of fans gathering to wish them well, a testament to Lineker's burgeoning fame.

Throughout their two-decade marriage, Gary and Michelle welcomed four sons: George (born 1991), Harry (born 1994), Tobias (born 1996), and Angus (born 1998). Their family life faced an immense challenge in 1991 when their eldest son, George, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at just eight weeks old. This harrowing period saw George given a mere "10 to 20 per cent" chance of survival, a test of resilience for the young family. George ultimately triumphed over the illness, a testament to their strength and the medical care he received.

Despite the highs and shared adversities, their marriage concluded in 2006. Michelle filed for divorce, citing Gary's "unreasonable behaviour" and stating that his actions during their marriage had caused her "stress and anxiety." The divorce was granted swiftly in a "quickie" decree nisi. While the split was initially acrimonious, the former couple has since made peace and maintained an amicable relationship, often seen together at family events, including their son Harry's wedding in Ibiza in 2025. Lineker has publicly reflected on their reconciliation, stating, “Two really good marriages, I’m friends with both.”

Following his divorce from Michelle, Gary Lineker found love again with model and actress Danielle Bux. They began dating in 2007 after being set up on a blind date. Their relationship quickly became high-profile, partly due to their 20-year age difference, with Danielle being Lineker's junior. In September 2009, they exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in Italy. Through this marriage, Lineker also embraced the role of stepfather to Danielle's daughter, Ella, from a previous relationship.

Their marriage, however, came to an end in early 2016 after six years. The primary reason for their amicable separation was widely reported to be differing views on expanding their family. Danielle expressed a desire to have more children, while Gary, already a father of four grown sons, felt it wasn't fair to her to start a new family at his age. Lineker himself confirmed this, recalling, “Obviously I would have done, but she said, 'It's not fair on you.' Then I said, 'Well, I’d feel terrible if I stop you doing it.'”

Remarkably, Gary and Danielle maintained an exceptionally close friendship post-divorce, a dynamic that has often been described as "unusual" by outsiders but is a source of comfort for both. Lineker has frequently spoken about their bond, stating, “Danielle and I are best mates, we still speak three times a day, we text all the time. When she comes to London she stays with me, and when I go to LA I see her.” This strong connection continued even after Danielle married American entertainment lawyer Nate Greenwald in 2019 and welcomed their daughter, Romy. Gary has expressed his admiration for Nate, noting, “He’s not got a jealous bone in his body. We get on really well. We go out for dinner when I’m in LA.” This mutual respect exemplifies Lineker's philosophy on maintaining positive relationships after marriage.

Since his divorce from Danielle, Gary Lineker has remained publicly single. While there have been occasional rumors of new romances, such as with chef Gizzi Erskine in 2019 (which were quickly denied) and visual artist Leila Bartell in November 2023 (unconfirmed), Lineker has consistently stated his contentment with his single status. He has often spoken about enjoying his own company and the freedom it affords him.

"I like being on my own," Lineker told The Times in 2021. "I know it sounds a bit mad. I have lots of company. I've got lots of friends and I've also got my boys who come around a lot and I cook for them. I don't feel lonely. I have the odd date here and there, but nothing, not in terms of a long relationship."

He has also humorously denied using dating apps, stating he wouldn't let his sons set up a profile for him. Lineker's romantic history is characterized by deep connections and an admirable ability to transform former marital bonds into enduring friendships, showcasing a modern and mature approach to relationships that prioritizes mutual respect and continued familial harmony. He remains comfortable and fulfilled, surrounded by his close-knit family and friends, embracing his current chapter with a pragmatic and positive outlook.