Gary Lineker Called “Weird” After Revealing Maya Jama’s Premier League Relationship
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker found himself in hot water after seemingly confirming rumors about Love Island host Maya Jama’s relationship with a Premier League footballer during a public event.
The incident occurred during the Baller League draft on Monday night, where Lineker was joined by his BBC colleagues and “The Rest is Football” podcast co-hosts Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. The trio were selecting players for the new six-a-side football competition when Lineker made the unexpected comment.
Maya Jama, who recently turned 30, has joined the competition as a coach, partnering with Juventus women’s star Alisha Lehmann to form ‘MVPs United’ – making history as the first all-female management team in the league.
During the draft event, Richards and Jama engaged in playful banter, with Jama referring to Richards as her “biggest opp” and “nemesis.” When Jama commented that Richards looked 40 years old, the former Manchester City defender protested, saying: “I’m only 36. You do me wrong man. How old are you?”
The Awkward Moment That Exposed a Private Relationship
After Jama mentioned she had recently celebrated her 30th birthday, Lineker interjected with a comment that quickly went viral: “Micah, stop flirting and get her boyfriend to play for us.”
The remark appeared to reference Jama’s rumored relationship with Manchester City defender Ruben Dias – a romance that has not been officially confirmed by either party despite speculation in the media.
Jama’s response was immediate and pointed: “Get out! This is why I don’t talk to old people. They’re so weird.”
While the couple has not publicly acknowledged their relationship, observant fans have noticed several hints:
- Social media posts that appear to show them in the same locations
- A photo seemingly showing them celebrating New Year’s Eve together in Ibiza
- Both reportedly wearing matching Cartier ‘LOVE Bracelets’ valued at £5,050 each
Speculation suggests that Jama and Dias first met at the European Music Awards in Manchester last November, where Dias presented an award while Jama attended as a guest.
The Baller League, where this awkward moment took place, is gaining significant attention with several football legends taking part. Beyond Jama and Lehmann’s team, other notable participants include:
- Luis Figo and John Terry, who each lead their own teams
- Arsenal Invincibles Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg, and Jens Lehmann, who are also coaching in the competition
The six-a-side league is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 24th at London’s Copper Box Arena. Football fans can watch weekly matches on YouTube and Twitch, with Sky Sports also providing coverage.
Lehmann, Jama’s coaching partner, brings valuable experience to their collaboration, having won the inaugural Baller League season in Germany in 2023.
Want to see the drama unfold? Don’t miss the premiere of the Baller League on March 24th – tune in on YouTube, Twitch, or Sky Sports to watch Maya Jama, football legends, and all the action from this exciting new competition!