Gary Lineker follows in footsteps of Pele, Wayne Rooney & David Beckham as England icon lands 2025 Legends of Football award

The ex-England international striker, along with Euro 2022-winning former Lionesses star Jill Scott, will see his achievements on and off the pitch recognised at a star-studded event on October 6 that will take place at London’s J W Marriot Grosvenor House.

Scott has said that she is “absolutely thrilled” to have been selected for a prize that is “truly an honour” to receive. Lineker added on his nod: “I am delighted to be receiving the 2025 Legends of Football award. This acknowledgement is an honour and would not be possible without the support of my former managers and team-mates.

"I’m thrilled to be part of an incredible evening that celebrates football and music, all in support of Nordoff and Robbins. Their work is vital in transforming lives through the power of music. Music therapy offers an extraordinary means of helping individuals express themselves and connect with others.”

Lineker represented Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Nagoya Grampus Eight in his playing days, being named Footballer of the Year in 1991 and claiming three top-flight Golden Boots. He registered 48 goals for England, finishing as top scorer at the 1986 World Cup, and is preparing to step down as host of Match of the Day after 25 years as frontman for the BBC’s flagship Premier League highlights show.

Past recipients of awards at the Legends of Football event include Manchester United legends Beckham, Rooney, Eric Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson. Brazil icon Pele was recognised in 2013, while Brian Clough, Alan Shearer, Jose Mourinho, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are other notable names on the glittering roll of honour.