Wayne Lineker, the younger brother of football legend Gary Lineker, has rebuilt his life after a 17-year estrangement, alcohol addiction, and tax fraud conviction. At 64, the Ibiza nightlife entrepreneur now runs a multi-million-pound beach club empire—including the celebrity-favorite O Beach—and is enjoying renewed family bonds following his daughter’s wedding to Gary’s nephew.
Who Is Wayne Lineker? Meet Gary Lineker’s Younger Brother
Wayne Lineker is the 64-year-old younger brother of Gary Lineker, the former England football captain and BBC Match of the Day presenter. While Gary became a household name in sports broadcasting, Wayne carved a separate path as a self-made nightlife entrepreneur across Spain’s Canary Islands and Balearics.
Born in Leicester, England, Wayne is best known today as the brother of Wayne Lineker–Gary Lineker, whose public reconciliation ended nearly two decades of silence.
Wayne Lineker Age and Early Life: From Leicester to Nightlife Empire
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Born: April 25, 1962 (currently 64 years old in 2026)
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Birthplace: Leicester, England
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Parents: Barry Lineker (greengrocer) and Margaret Lineker
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Sibling: Gary Lineker (2½ years older)
Wayne left school at 14 without exams, helping at his father’s greengrocer stall before moving to Tenerife in 1986. There, he opened his first Lineker’s Bar in 1988—an instant hit that launched his European nightlife empire.
Building an Ibiza Empire: O Beach, Lineker’s Bars and More
Wayne’s business footprint spans Spain’s busiest tourist hubs:
O Beach alone draws A-listers and can see Wayne posing for 600 photos daily during peak season.
‘I was close to death twice.’
Known as the ‘king of Ibiza’, Wayne Lineker talks to @susannareid100 and @edballs about how he spent 7 weeks in hospital with pneumonia and how going to rehab saved his life. pic.twitter.com/XjJtqOFVdN
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) January 6, 2026
Wayne Lineker Net Worth 2026: How He Built His Fortune
As of 2026, Wayne Lineker’s net worth is estimated at £30 million ($38 million USD).
Key wealth drivers:
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O Beach Ibiza (premium beach club with ocean beds, DJ events)
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Chain of Lineker’s Bars across Tenerife, Mallorca, and Marbella
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TV appearances (The Only Way Is Essex, Celebs Go Dating)
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Brand endorsements leveraging the Lineker surname
Notably, Wayne’s fortune now exceeds Gary’s estimated £27 million net worth.
The 17-Year Feud with Brother Gary Lineker – And Their Reconciliation
Gary and Wayne barely spoke for 17 years, drifting apart due to lifestyle differences, public scrutiny, and Wayne’s personal struggles.
Reconciliation catalyst:
In summer 2025, Wayne’s daughter Tia married Gary’s nephew, forcing the brothers to reconnect.
Wayne stated:
“We needed to be there… now we’re enjoying a friendly brotherly relationship again, which is wonderful”.
Both now share a warm bond, with Gary acknowledging Wayne’s entrepreneurial success independently of his fame.
Wayne Lineker’s Sobriety Journey: “I Was Going to Die”
Wayne openly discusses past alcohol and drug addiction that led to severe health issues and a 2006 tax fraud conviction:
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Jailed 2.5 years for £220,000 tax fraud
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Hit rock bottom: “I was going to die” if he didn’t change
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Entered rehab, adopted a strict fitness routine, and achieved sobriety
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Now focuses on health, brand-building, and family
His turnaround story has become central to his public image reinvention.
Wayne Lineker Personal Life: Children, Relationships, and Family
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Marital Status: Single (as of June 2024)
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Children: 4 from first marriage
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Duane (33), Sean (30), Tia (19), Freddie (13)
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Key Family Event: Tia’s 2025 wedding to Gary’s nephew reignited brotherly ties
Wayne raises his youngest son, Freddie, while regularly appearing at O Beach with older children.
Wayne Lineker in 2026: Current Projects and Life Update
In 2026, Wayne is:
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Expanding O Beach Concepts: Considering new beach clubs in Mediterranean markets
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Personal Brand Growth: Leveraging social media (600+ daily photos with fans)
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Health Focus: Maintaining sobriety and fitness regimen
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Family Time: Reconnecting with Gary and nephews/nieces post-reconciliation
He remains based in Ibiza, balancing business with a quieter personal life post-addiction.
FAQ
Q: How old is Wayne Lineker in 2026?
A: Wayne Lineker is 64 years old, born April 25, 1962.
Q: What is Wayne Lineker’s net worth?
A: His net worth is £30 million as of 2024–2026, from nightlife venues and TV.
Q: Are Gary Lineker and Wayne Lineker brothers fixed?
A: Yes—they reconciled in 2025 after a 17-year feud, sparked by family weddings.
Q: What does Wayne Lineker do for a living?
A: He owns O Beach Ibiza and a chain of Lineker’s Bars across Spain.
Q: Did Wayne Lineker go to jail?
A: Yes, jailed for 2.5 years in 2006 for £220,000 tax fraud.
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