The bond between siblings can be one of life’s most enduring relationships, but like any other, it can experience its ups and downs. Such is the case with the Lineker brothers, Gary and Wayne, who have been gradually rebuilding their connection after a significant falling out. While the brothers were once as close as can be, their relationship went through a turbulent period. Let’s delve into the complexities of their story and explore the reasons behind their fallout.
The Lineker Brothers: A Tight-Knit Bond
Born just two years apart, Gary and Wayne Lineker grew up together in Leicester, proud of each other’s achievements and milestones. Gary, who would later become a football legend, scoring goals for England, and Wayne, began his career in a completely different field – selling fruits and vegetables in local markets. However, Wayne’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a thriving bar and nightclub empire, making his mark in the nightlife industry.
As Wayne himself put it, “Gary is a very intelligent guy in a general knowledge kind of way, whereas I’m not. I’m savvy and streetwise.” Despite their differences, the brothers were extremely close, playing golf twice a week, visiting each other’s homes, and having daily phone conversations. But, unfortunately, this deep connection eventually crumbled.
The Start of the Feud
The significant rift between the Lineker brothers began approximately in 2008, as Wayne recalls. This turbulent period coincided with Gary’s romantic involvement with Danielle Bux, whom he would marry the following year. Sadly, his marriage to Danielle ended in divorce in 2016.
According to Wayne, this relationship change became the tipping point in his relationship with Gary. Wayne asserted, “In my opinion, Danielle cost me my relationship with my brother. Sadly, Gary is no longer a part of my life,” during an interview with The Sun in April 2015.
Wayne couldn’t comprehend why the frequent phone conversations and visits had come to an abrupt end. He attributed the sudden change to an uncomfortable first meeting with Danielle, who stayed in her room for an entire day during their visit to Ibiza in August 2008. They barely exchanged words during a night out the following evening.
Not wishing to disrupt his brother’s happiness, Wayne didn’t initially confront Gary about the situation. Nevertheless, this would be the last time they ever communicated with Danielle being the apparent turning point.
Events That Further Strained the Relationship
To Wayne’s dismay, he didn’t even attend Gary’s second wedding to Danielle in 2009. He declined the invitation because he was informed that his girlfriend at the time, model Ana Tanaka, was not invited. Wayne was taken aback that his brother insisted he couldn’t bring his girlfriend of a year and a half to the wedding.
Wayne’s attempts to rebuild their brotherly bond failed, and a brief call on Gary’s 50th birthday lasted less than a minute. Disheartened by the situation, Wayne 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.”
The brothers slowly started mending their relationship in August 2017. Wayne acknowledged that they were not as close as they once were, but they were communicating more often. He emphasized the importance of their relationship and shared how much they used to do together when they were close.
The Family That Stays Connected
One aspect that remained constant throughout their rift was Wayne’s close relationship with Gary’s sons: George, Harry, Angus, and Tobias. The nephews regularly visited Wayne in Ibiza, and the communication between them continued despite the strained relationship between the brothers. Wayne proudly shared that all four nephews visited him frequently, noting that George came three times a year.
Despite their differences, Wayne has always been “immensely proud” of his brother’s success, particularly Gary’s renowned career as a sports presenter. Wayne praised his brother, saying he deserved his significant achievements. He emphasized Gary’s growth and progress as a presenter and highlighted the initial nervousness Gary displayed when he first started hosting Match of the Day. However, Gary’s hard work, intelligence, and dedication helped him become a respected and highly regarded figure in the industry.
Teasing and Reconciliation
Even in the midst of their disagreements, the Lineker brothers maintained a sense of humor. Wayne couldn’t resist poking fun at his brother when he made a cheeky dig at him on Twitter after his debut on The Only Way Is Essex in 2013. Wayne had joined the reality TV show’s cast in Marbella, and the episode saw him pursuing a romantic interest in Lauren Pope, which didn’t quite go as planned. He was humorously compared to himself by Gary, to which Wayne cheekily responded.
Their relationship may have gone through rocky terrain, but Wayne has always cherished his brother. When Gary was named the second-highest paid star at the BBC in 2017, Wayne expressed his pride and admiration for his brother. He acknowledged that Gary’s journey had its fair share of challenges, especially when replacing the iconic Des Lynam. However, Wayne’s “biggest fan” credited Gary’s hard work, intelligence, and dedication to his well-deserved success.
Despite a few playful teases, the love and pride the Lineker brothers have for each other have never wavered, even in the face of their differences and the challenges they have overcome. The story of their relationship is a testament to the enduring bond that exists between siblings, no matter the circumstances.