Gary Lineker returns to the Copper Box Arena for the new Baller League season
Gary Lineker made a lively return to the Copper Box Arena as the new Baller League season got underway — despite stepping down from his managerial duties ahead of the competition’s second campaign, reports BritPanorama.
The former England striker was back in the stands to support his old side, Deportrio, now led by Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards and ex-Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge.
Lineker, who shared the Deportrio dugout last season with Richards and Alan Shearer, appeared in good spirits as he watched his former colleagues face off. Richards remained with Deportrio, while Shearer has teamed up with Ian Wright at Wembley Rangers.
The two sides met on opening night, with Wright and Shearer’s team claiming a 3–2 victory in a spirited clash. Explaining his decision to sit in Shearer’s dugout rather than alongside Richards, Lineker quipped that the choice was a matter of self-preservation.
“I didn’t want to upset anyone, but I just can’t cope with Micah’s enthusiasm,” he joked. “He’s too demonstrative on the touchline, so I thought I’d take a quieter seat. But Wrighty gets pretty excitable too! I’ve stuck with the old boys — they’ve got plenty of time on their side. Maybe I’ve picked the winning team, and that’s what you’ve got to do, isn’t it?”
Baller League CEO Felix Starck discussed Lineker’s decision to step down before the second season, stating that it was based on time and commitment rather than any dissatisfaction. “We sat down and had a conversation with Gary — does it make sense to continue or not?” Starck told talkSPORT.
“You really have to fall in love with this project because it consumes so much time. Everyone involved invests hours and hours. John Terry calls me every week to complain about how time-consuming it is, but then he always says it’s the best thing ever.”
“Gary has a very busy life, and if you can’t fully commit, it’s difficult to stay involved. It’s really up to each person to decide whether they’re all in.” Meanwhile, when asked what advice he would give Richards and Sturridge should they face defeat, Lineker replied with humour.
“Own it, live with it, deal with it and move on to the next game. It’s humiliation, really, isn’t it?” At that stage of the match, Deportrio trailed 3–1 before pulling one back late on, though the comeback fell short, with former Everton striker Oumar Niasse scoring.
The Baller League, now in its second year, has become a unique blend of celebrity management and competitive football, drawing large audiences both in person and online. As this unconventional league continues to evolve, it remains a vivid illustration of the intertwining of celebrity culture and grassroots football, igniting both excitement and debate about the future of the sport.
