The Rest Is Football

Episode: David Ginola: The Moments That Made Them

Date: February 25, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

Episode Overview

This episode of The Rest Is Football dives into the charismatic and enigmatic career of French winger David Ginola. Framed as part of their “Moments That Made Them” series on Premier League greats, Gary, Alan, and Micah look back at Ginola's dazzling highlights, his inconsistencies, memorable Premier League spells, and the unique moments and off-pitch stories that shaped his legacy. With personal anecdotes, honest opinions, and classic banter, the trio explore Ginola’s impact on English football and his place among maverick talents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ginola as a Maverick and Flair Player

• [02:12] – [03:20] The hosts frame Ginola as a “maverick” and “flair player.” They discuss his spellbinding ability to use both feet, his skill to cut inside or beat his man down the line, and his memorable moments — even if consistency was sometimes lacking.
  • “He produced wonderful moments on the football pitch, some would say wasn't entirely consistent his whole career. Is he worthy? I would say so.” – Gary Lineker [02:02]
  • “He produced some moments of magic, didn't he?... He was as good as I've seen David in terms of left foot and right foot, going both ways.” – Alan Shearer [03:16]

Playing with Ginola at Newcastle

• [03:56] – [06:25] Alan Shearer shares candid stories of his time alongside Ginola at Newcastle, especially around the frustration of waiting for crosses:
  • Shearer describes expecting great service but often finding Ginola cutting inside and shooting.
  • The stand-out moment: Shearer confronted Ginola in the dressing room, resulting in more crosses.
    • "It must have taken five or six weeks. And I thought, sod this. I'm gonna have to tell him...I was just saying, ‘put some crosses in, will you? Just put the ball in the box and I'll try and do the rest.’” – Alan Shearer [05:12]
  • Kevin Keegan’s management style is highlighted: player freedom and attack-mindedness.

Ginola and the French National Team

• [07:44] – [09:56] Gary recounts Ginola’s controversial absence from the French national team, particularly missing out on the 1998 World Cup at home after being dropped following a costly mistake in 1994 qualifying.
  • "He was kind of dumped out of the French team...And I could see the hurt, the hurt at not being part of this, even the squad." – Gary Lineker [08:44]

Ginola’s Goal-Scoring and Ability

• [09:56] – [10:41] The trio note that Ginola’s goal numbers were modest for his ability (six in his best PL season), but his technical ability and flair set him apart.
  • "For someone with that amount of ability, he had great talent. He should have scored more goals." – Micah Richards [09:56]

Dressing Room & Charisma

• [10:14] – [10:41] Micah and Alan reminisce about Ginola’s presence in the dressing room, confirming he was well-liked and joking about his model looks.
  • "Yeah, he's...He doesn't struggle in the looks department, does he?" – Micah Richards [10:30]
  • "He was great in the dressing room. Everyone got on great with him." – Micah Richards [10:14]

Ginola’s Best Premier League Moments

• [11:09] – [17:17] The hosts watch and discuss iconic Ginola goals:

  • Early Newcastle goals, his two-footedness, stylish finishes.
  • Discussing famous games, particularly the 4-3 at Anfield and the 5-0 win against Manchester United.
    • "Brilliant effort. What a goal by David Ginola. Magnificent strike by the Frenchman." – Match Commentator [16:58]
    • "What a goal that is. David Ginola...That’s what he was capable of." – Gary Lineker [17:11]

• Recap of Ginola’s Premier League career: Newcastle, Spurs, Aston Villa, Everton.

• Discussion about the famous Philippe Albert chip in the 5-0 United game and their collective memories of that day.

Ginola’s Later Career and Life

• [19:48] – [22:11]
  • Alan and Gary discuss Ginola’s time at Villa and Spurs, mentioning possible attitude and fitness questions from John Gregory.
  • The classic “Gazza in a wig” story when Ginola joined Everton, reflecting on footballers' camaraderie.
  • Gary reflects on Ginola's heart attack at a charity game, his recovery, and reiterates his positive view of David as a man.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He was as good as I've seen David in terms of left foot and right foot...He was unbelievable.” – Alan Shearer [03:20]
• “Must have taken five or six weeks. And I thought, sod this. I'm gonna have to tell him.” – Shearer dissecting frustration with Ginola [04:50]
• “If you're going to collapse somewhere, that's probably the best place to do it, because they always have ambulances and stuff.” – Gary on Ginola’s heart incident at a charity match [21:32]
• "He was a score of great goals...He definitely should have scored more though, with the ability that he had." – Micah Richards [17:33]
• “Such a flair player...That's the word. Flair player.” – Gary and Micah, summing up Ginola's style [17:40]
• "He was completely left out [in 1998]. And I was alongside him. And at the end of the game when they won, you could see he was thrilled that his country had won. But at the same time you could see the hurt." – Gary Lineker [08:44]
• "Brilliant effort. What a goal by David Ginola. Magnificent strike by the Frenchman." – Match commentator on Ginola's 5-0 Man United goal [16:58]

Timestamped Highlights

| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------| | 02:12 | Episode introduction, Ginola’s “maverick” status | | 03:20 | Discussion of Ginola’s prime years, dual-footedness | | 04:49 | Shearer’s frustration: “When’s the cross coming?” | | 05:12 | Dressing room confrontation, Keegan’s philosophy | | 07:44 | French national team, 1994/1998 heartbreak | | 09:56 | Ginola’s modest goal tally | | 10:30 | “Model” looks and dressing room presence | | 11:09 | Ginola’s debut goal for Newcastle | | 12:38 | Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle, 1996 | | 15:48 | The 5-0 win over Manchester United | | 16:58 | Ginola’s top-corner goal vs. Man United | | 19:48 | Villa, Spurs, and later career reflections | | 21:02 | Gaza wig prank at Everton | | 21:32 | Ginola’s heart attack and recovery | | 22:12 | “Can we get him on the pod?” – closing remarks |

Final Thoughts

The episode captures David Ginola through the eyes of rival players, teammates, and football romantics. The hosts highlight both the dazzling moments and the baffling inconsistencies, emphasizing the artistry and unpredictability that made Ginola a Premier League icon. They close with warmth and admiration, nodding to his resilience off the pitch and suggesting he would make a fantastic future guest.

Best encapsulated by Micah:
“Such a flair player… That’s the word.” [17:40]