Gary Lineker reveals BBC pundits have three-word nickname for Euro 2024 colleague

Gary Lineker has revealed Danny Murphy’s hilarious nickname. Lineker, who is working alongside Murphy for the BBC at Euro 2024, explained how the former Liverpool midfielder has become known as ‘Danny Ballon D’or’.

Speaking on the The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards were discussing some of the best footballers who opted for a skinhead look on top. Shearer named Zinedine Zidane as the best bald midfielder when Lineker jokingly put Murphy forward as an alternative choice.

Replying to a question asking for his opinion on the best three bald players to have played the game, Shearer said: “Three baldies? Up front, midfield and defence – up front, Vialli. Midfield, Zidane.”

That prompted Linker to retort: “Got to be – but not Danny Murphy?” Shearer then revealed the nickname, chuckling as he said: “Danny Ballon D’or.” The trio began laughing as Richards asked: “Can you explain that please? What does that mean?”

Shearer then added: “I cannot believe we’ve mentioned Zidane and Danny Murphy in the same sentence.” Lineker then went on to explain the origins of Murphy’s joke name that they all found funny.

Lineker said: “He’ll love it, he would’ve done it himself. And that’s why he’s called Danny Ballon D’or. He’s quite good with just sneaking in a mention of himself compared with the greats, and quite rightly so.”

Murphy made 249 appearances for Liverpool in his playing days, scoring 44 goals and providing 39 assists. He won the Europa League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and one Community Shield with the Reds, plus the UEFA Supercup.

After retiring from the game, Murphy moved into broadcasting and has now worked as a pundit for the BBC for many years. He has been a regular face – and voice – at Euro 2024 as England have marched on to the final, where they will now face Spain live on both BBC and ITV on Sunday night.