Gary Lineker named three biggest clubs in the world with Liverpool missing out
Ex-England striker and Premier League pundit Gary Lineker won't have had Liverpool supporters onside with his stance on who he believes are the biggest clubs in the world
Gary Lineker controversially left Liverpool out of his list of the world's top three football clubs, instead naming Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United as the elite trio. The Reds have a long-standing rivalry with United and have had their hearts broken by Barcelona and Real Madrid on multiple occasions.
Los Blancos have triumphed over Liverpool in two Champions League finals since 2018. Meanwhile, both Barcelona and Madrid have lured key players away from Anfield, including Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to arrive at the Bernabeu on a free transfer.
Despite Liverpool boasting six major European titles – more than Barcelona's five and United's three – Lineker, believes all three sides are larger than Liverpool.
While speaking to La Liga TV in 2023, he said: "I think in the world's big three football clubs, it's probably Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United in terms of stature.
"We all know Real Madrid is a proper football club. I'm biased towards Barcelona [as a former player], we don't love Real Madrid in Barcelona to put it mildly.
"But they are a sensational football club and an incredibly successful football club that play brilliant football."
This weekend marks Lineker's final appearance presenting Match of the Day. Originally, he was set to bow out only from Premier League highlights duties, but continue with live FA Cup games next season and the 2026 World Cup, before walking away from the BBC.
However, he announced he would leave the BBC after this weekend for good. He made the decision himself following a social media post he shared about Zionism, which included a rat emoji.
On a video he posted online, he said: "Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations.
"Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology.
"I would like once again to say I'm sorry unreservedly for the hurt and the upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that.
" Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years.
"As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-semitic - it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
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