A seventeen-year rift between football icon Gary Lineker and his younger brother Wayne has finally come to an end at a family celebration in Mallorca.
The siblings were photographed with their arms around each other during Wayne’s daughter Tia’s nuptials, marking their first documented appearance together in years.
The 64-year-old former England striker and his 63-year-old brother, who runs nightclubs in Ibiza, appeared relaxed and cheerful in formal attire at the Mediterranean ceremony. Their reconciliation comes after years of reported estrangement that began in 2008.
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Tia Lineker married Harry Agombar in what she described on social media as an elegant celebration, with images revealing her famous uncle’s presence amongst the wedding party.
The brothers appeared to have buried the hatchet
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Wayne fulfilled his paternal duties by escorting Tia to the altar, where she exchanged vows with Agombar. The proud father held his daughter’s arm as they made their way through the ceremony.
This marked the second significant family wedding within a short timeframe, following Gary’s son Harry’s marriage in June. That earlier celebration took place in Ibiza, close to Wayne’s O Beach establishment.
Whilst both brothers attended Harry’s wedding and enjoyed the festivities, they notably avoided being photographed together on that occasion. The contrast with Tia’s wedding was striking, as the brothers openly displayed their renewed connection.
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Tia provided the initial glimpse of her special day through Instagram posts on Wednesday, confirming her uncle’s attendance at the event.
The brothers’ relationship deteriorated during Gary’s marriage to his second spouse, Danielle Bux. Wayne revealed to The Sun in 2015: “In my opinion, Danielle cost me my relationship with my brother. Sadly Gary is no longer a part of my life.”
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He described an uncomfortable visit to Ibiza in August 2008, stating: “They came to Ibiza in August 2008 and it was really awkward. I didn’t spark with Danielle and our relationship was cold.”
The tension had earlier roots – whilst Wayne served as best man at Gary’s 1986 marriage to Michelle Cockayne, he was absent from the television presenter’s subsequent wedding to Danielle. His invitation had not included his then-partner Ana Tanaka.
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The nightclub proprietor spoke candidly about their strained connection in a recent interview with The Daily Mail, acknowledging: “It’s not so good to be honest, we don’t really speak very often. I’ll always be his number one fan.”
Despite the brothers’ limited contact over recent years, their appearance together at Tia’s wedding suggests a significant shift in their relationship. The photograph of Wayne embracing Gary represents a marked departure from their previous avoidance of joint appearances.
Gary Lineker was seen having fun at his son’s wedding earlier this year
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Their reconciliation at the Mallorca celebration brings closure to a family division that had persisted since 2008, when tensions arose during Gary’s relationship with his second wife.
