This new biography – the first for 30 years – provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of football's most celebrated players and personalities

There's no denying that whatever Gary Lineker does is big news, whether it's fronting some of the UK's most-watched sports coverage or causing controversy on social media. With 8.9 million followers on X, all eyes remain on Lineker.

While he's better known as a TV personality and philanthropist nowadays, Lineker's football career marks him out as one of England's best ever players. But he wasn't always destined for greatness. After helping on his dad's market as a youngster and being told he'd never make it by a school teacher, Lineker was a late bloomer, making his England debut at 24 and going on to play for a host of top clubs.

Written by FourFourTwo journalist Chris Evans, this comprehensive look at Lineker's career – on and off the pitch - covers his early years in Leicester, his rise to fame at Leicester City and Everton, and his successful years at Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.

Gary Lineker: Portrait of a Football Icon looks at the phenomenal career of a sporting legend – one of England's deadliest strikers and one of the most respected sports figures today.