**Gary Lineker and Brother Wayne Seen Celebrating Together After Ending Long-Running Feud**
In a remarkably public display of reconciliation, Gary Lineker and his brother Wayne were photographed revelling together at a recent family gathering, drawing a line under a 17-year estrangement that had long divided the famous siblings.
Guests at the occasion were treated to animated scenes, which were captured and shared online by Gary’s son, George Lineker. In these widely viewed Instagram clips, both Gary and Wayne could be seen embracing the party spirit: bottles of alcohol were poured straight into their mouths amid laughter and applause from family and friends. For those present, the festivities marked a striking departure from the years of icy silence which had characterised their relationship.
These celebratory scenes arrive just days after Gary’s emotional farewell from his role as presenter of the BBC’s iconic Match of the Day, a position he had held for a quarter of a century. Gary made headlines last week after signing off for the final time, a momentous occasion which was marked by tributes from colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, as well as a special video message from opera singer Andrea Bocelli in honour of Lineker’s beloved Leicester City.
Wayne Lineker, the owner of the popular Ibiza beach club and the eponymous Linekers Bar, drew attention himself as he paid tribute to his brother online with a goat emoji, a symbol widely understood to mean ‘greatest of all time’. This apparently simple gesture in the comment section of a BBC post spoke volumes for those who have followed the brothers’ complex story, hinting that the rift may finally have healed.
The estrangement between the Lineker brothers reportedly began in 2008. Wayne contended in past interviews that his relationship with Gary began to suffer following incidents that arose around Gary’s then-wife, Danielle Bux. Wayne told The Sun in 2015 that he felt his brother’s marriage had driven them apart, stating, “In my opinion, Danielle cost me my relationship with my brother. Sadly, Gary is no longer a part of my life.” He recalled an uncomfortable holiday the brothers shared in Ibiza, naming the year 2008 as a turning point.
Complicating matters was Wayne’s own lifestyle, which attracted scrutiny and rumours. His hedonistic image—associated with nightlife, celebrity parties, and Ibiza’s club scene—was speculated to have contributed to the family discord. Further straining their bond, Wayne was notably absent from Gary’s second wedding to Danielle Bux, at the time citing grievances over the exclusion of his partner Ana Tanaka from the guest list.
Despite this history, Wayne announced in 2017 that the lines of communication had begun to reopen between the brothers. He maintained a close relationship with Gary’s four sons during the period of estrangement, hinting at the enduring ties that remained beneath the surface hostilities.
With the recent family celebration, it now appears that the brothers themselves have found the path towards peace. Throughout the night, the two were captured not only raising their glasses but raising eyebrows—playfully exchanging grins, sharing drinks, and giving a strong impression of genuine reconciliation after nearly two decades.
For supporters and fans, the reunion of Gary and Wayne Lineker is more than just a fleeting viral moment; it is a reminder of the complexities of family life that are often hidden from public view. It remains to be seen how this revived kinship will influence the public lives—and possible future collaborations—of both men.
As both siblings continue forward, many will be watching with keen interest to see if the thaw in their relationship signals a new, more united chapter for the Lineker family. In a world where grudges and misunderstandings can last a lifetime, the Lineker reunion offers a heartening example of the possibility of forgiveness and renewal.