Match of the Day stars have cheeky three-word nickname for Euro 2024 colleague
Gary Lineker has revealed the cheeky three-word nickname that he and his BBC colleagues have for former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker has shared the reason why they all call him ‘Danny Ballon D’or’. The trio were discussing the best footballers who opted for a skinhead look as Shearer was asked for his top three of all time.
When asked to pick his top three bald footballers, Shearer quipped: “Three baldies? Up front, midfield and defence – up front, Vialli. Midfield, Zidane.”
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Lineker then joked: “Got to be – but not Danny Murphy?” That’s when Shearer let slip the nickname, laughing as he said: “Danny Ballon D’or.”
The three pundits burst into laughter as Richards asked: “Can you explain that please? What does that mean?” Shearer continued: “I cannot believe we’ve mentioned Zidane and Danny Murphy in the same sentence.”
Lineker then revealed exactly how Murphy earned his nickname, saying: “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.”
Where do you think Danny Murphy ranks in the league of the best Premier League midfielders? Let us know in the comments section.
![Danny Murphy and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool about to kick off.](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33222094.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1045500840.jpg)
(Image: Mark Leech/Offside/Getty Images)
During his playing days, Murphy made 249 appearances for Liverpool, netting 44 goals and assisting 39 times. His trophy haul with the Reds included the Europa League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, one Community Shield, and the UEFA Supercup.
Post-retirement, Murphy transitioned into broadcasting and has been a BBC pundit for several years. He’s been a familiar face and voice throughout Euro 2024 as England advanced to the final against Spain, set to be broadcast live on both BBC and ITV this Sunday evening.