Gary Lineker Reunites with Brother Wayne After 17-Year Feud at Son Harry’s Ibiza Wedding—Swigs Booze from Bottle, Left Worse for Wear Post-Wild Celebration

Gary Lineker Reunites with Brother at Son’s Wedding Amid 17-Year Feud
(Images: Gary and Wayne Lineker sharing a drink; Gary with son Harry; Wayne posing with family members)

Gary Lineker, 64, set aside a 17-year rift with his brother Wayne, 63, during his son Harry’s wedding in Ibiza. The former Match of the Day host was filmed swigging alcohol raucously before passing the bottle to Wayne, signaling a temporary truce. The celebration marked the nuptials of Gary’s second eldest son, Harry, 31, to fiancée Annabelle.

Feud Origins
The brothers’ estrangement began in 2008 when Gary started dating Danielle Bux (whom he married in 2009 and divorced in 2016). Wayne blamed the fallout on an awkward encounter during a family trip to Ibiza, claiming Danielle’s presence strained their relationship. “In my opinion, Danielle cost me my relationship with my brother. Sadly, Gary is no longer part of my life,” Wayne told The Sun in 2015. Tensions escalated when Wayne refused to attend Gary’s 2009 wedding after being barred from bringing his then-girlfriend.

(Image: Gary and Danielle Bux in 2015; Wayne and Gary in younger years)

Wedding Truce
Despite years of silence, the brothers appeared to reconcile temporarily for Harry’s wedding. Wayne shared Instagram snaps of himself and son Freddie dressed for the occasion, captioning, “The boys are ready for the big family wedding.” Gary, wearing a tan blazer, posed with eldest son George, both groomsmen. In a video, Gary enthusiastically drank from a bottle before handing it to Wayne, with guests cheering.

(Image: Gary and George Lineker in matching attire; Wayne with daughter Tia)

Gary later joked on his podcast, The Rest Is Football, about being “fuzzy and jaded” post-celebration. He praised the event: “Harry’s wedding went swimmingly well. The bride looked amazing, the sun shone—it was great.”

BBC Exit Controversy
The reunion followed Gary’s recent departure from the BBC after sharing an Instagram story featuring an antisemitic rat trope linked to Zionism. He acknowledged the post caused “error and upset,” stating, “Stepping back now feels responsible.” The broadcaster’s sports director thanked Gary for his “brilliant” 26-year tenure but emphasized the need to move forward.

(Image: Gary during his final Match of the Day appearance; BBC statement excerpt)

Brotherly Bonds Remain Fragile
Though united at the wedding, Wayne admitted on a podcast that their relationship remains strained: “We don’t speak often. I’ll always be his number one fan.” Despite past attempts to reconcile, including a brief call on Gary’s 50th birthday, the brothers have yet to fully mend ties.

Gary, a father of four from his first marriage to Michelle Cockayne, continues to focus on family and his production company. Meanwhile, Wayne, an entrepreneur, cherishes the rare family moments, posting warmly about his nephew’s wedding.

(Image: Gary with sons; Wayne’s Instagram post captioned “#ibizawedding”)

The Ibiza celebration offered a fleeting glimpse of unity, proving even decades-old rifts can pause for love—and a lively toast.

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