Gary Lineker may be among the BBC’s highest-paid stars annually, but it turns out his business on the side also brings in much of his earnings.
The 63-year-old former footballer-turned-pundit frequently tops the lists of the broadcaster’s top earners, covering the likes of March of the Day and the current Euro 2024 tournament.
However, Lineker also leads a hugely successful podcast, The Rest is Football, alongside former England players Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The side hobby seems to be contributing significantly to the presenter’s financial gain, despite the fact he earns £1.35 million through the BBC.
The popularity of the podcast has made Goalhanger – the company behind The Rest Is Football – a profitable business, with Lineker directly benefiting because he was a co-founder of the company.
According to Metro, the business’ micro company accounts show capital and reserves were at £590,958 for the financial year ending in May 2023.
Lineker has a lucrative side project away from the BBC
BBC
The amount comes as a stark increase from the previous year’s £207,883, with a growth of 184 percent.
The publication predicts if the company continues with some figures it could eventually become the sports pundits’ main earners.
On the success of the podcast, the BBC star stated: “I think we started early, recognised that podcasting was going to be interesting, got a bit lucky and made some good choices.”
Speaking to The Financial Times, he added: “The business is performing staggeringly well.”
Lineker remains one of the BBC’s top-earners
PA
He continued: “But it’s a very, very good business.”
He was also asked in the same interview if he’d ever quit the BBC to take up full-time podcasting, to which he responded: “Maybe. Who knows? Life’s thrown many things at me.
“But I’ve another, what, nearly three years left on this contract. I’ve got time to work out my retirement and get my bus pass. So I’ll be able to go on a double-decker, at the top, and listen to my podcast and sail into the sunset.”
Lineker’s finances are often the subject of controversy, particularly since he has on occasion raised questions about impartiality within the broadcaster.
Lineker’s podcast brings in a staggering extra income
Getty
Lineker has been in disputes with his employer before, famously coming under fire in 2023 after comparing the Government’s stance over small boats to that of 1930s Germany.
The tweet sparked a huge impartiality row, with many other BBC presenters boycotting their roles on the broadcaster after Lineker was taken off air in response to his political outburst.
He returned to Match of the Day after his co-stars stood in solidarity with him but continues to be criticised for airing his political views online.
