What Gary Lineker has said about Youth soccer development in the United States
2 quotes · 1 episode · Jul 12, 2026
Gary Lineker, Former England striker, broadcaster, co-founder of Goalhanger and host of The Rest Is Football, has been quoted on Youth soccer development in the United States 2 times in 1 episode of Pod Save America, most recently on July 12, 2026. Each quote below is verbatim and links to the moment it was said.
In their words
Lineker notes that in Europe aspiring players must join a club by age 16, making the American college pathway too late.
“if you've got any hope of being a soccer player, you've got to join a club when you're 16”
Pod Save America: Can Soccer Save the World? (Jul 12, 2026) · Listen from 20:40
Lineker argues the U.S. needs a long-term plan and it will take decades to become a genuine contender.
“Look 10, 20, 30 years ahead because it is realistically going to take that long for you to challenge”
Pod Save America: Can Soccer Save the World? (Jul 12, 2026) · Listen from 20:40
Episodes
Can Soccer Save the World?Pod Save America · Jul 12, 2026 · 52 min
Tommy Vietor talks with Gary Lineker about the 2026 World Cup, FIFA's integrity, the U.S. team's prospects, gambling, racism, and Lineker's 1986 memories.
Gary Lineker on other topics
- 2026 FIFA World Cup · 3 quotes
- Argentina v England (1986 FIFA World Cup) · 2 quotes
- BBC impartiality rules · 2 quotes
- Sports betting · 2 quotes
- Folarin Balogun red card controversy · 2 quotes
- FIFA · 2 quotes
- 2026 Clacton by-election · 1 quote
- Video assistant referee · 1 quote