Gary Lineker: From Football Icon to £30 Million Broadcasting Giant

Gary Lineker has worn many hats in his lifetime—goal scorer, TV host, social commentator, and most recently, podcast entrepreneur. As he prepares to step away from the BBC’s Match of the Day after more than 25 years, the former England striker remains one of the most influential and well-compensated figures in British broadcasting. But how did the man who never received a yellow card on the pitch build a net worth of £30 million? Here’s a detailed look at Gary Lineker’s career, income sources, and his legacy as a public figure in 2025.

Who is Gary Lineker?

Born on November 30, 1960, in Leicester, England, Gary Lineker rose to prominence in the 1980s as a prolific striker for clubs including Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona. He scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for England and won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

After retiring in 1994, Lineker transitioned seamlessly into television, becoming a trusted face in football coverage and the beloved host of the BBC’s Match of the Day starting in 1999.

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What is Gary Lineker’s Net Worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Gary Lineker’s net worth is estimated at $35 million.

While he didn’t benefit from the Premier League’s post-1992 salary boom as a player, Lineker has more than made up for it through media work, endorsement deals, and his own production company.

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How Did Gary Lineker Make His Money?

1. BBC Salary

Lineker has consistently been the BBC’s top earner for the past seven years. According to the broadcaster’s 2023/24 annual report, he earned between £1.3 million and £1.35 million for his work on Match of the Day, including Champions League and World Cup coverage.

Although he reportedly offered to take a £350,000 pay cut, Lineker confirmed he will step down from the show entirely following the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to his long-standing relationship with the BBC.

2. Walkers Crisps Endorsements

Lineker’s association with Walkers Crisps began in 1995 and remains one of the most iconic brand partnerships in British advertising. In 2020, he signed a new deal reportedly worth £1.2 million, maintaining his status as the face of the brand.

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3. Media & Podcasting Empire (Goalhanger)

In 2014, Lineker co-founded Goalhanger Films with Tony Pastor. The company has grown into a podcasting powerhouse, producing top-ranking shows like:

• The Rest Is Football (with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards)
• The Rest Is Politics
• The Rest Is History

As of May 2024, the company reported assets worth £1.9 million, with £2.7 million in bank reserves—a clear sign that Lineker’s post-TV career is flourishing.

4. Other Media Collaborations

Lineker has also contributed to TNT Sports and various international broadcasts, further diversifying his income. Though a household name in the UK, his influence extends across the footballing world.

Why is Gary Lineker Leaving Match of the Day?

After more than a quarter of a century, Lineker will host Match of the Day for the final time at the end of the 2025/26 season, bowing out after the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

In an interview with Amol Rajan, Lineker reflected on his departure, stating it was time to “pass the baton” and focus on other projects. Though his tenure has included humorous highlights—like presenting in his underwear after Leicester’s 2016 title win—it’s also featured moments of controversy.

Controversies and Public Stance

Lineker has never shied away from voicing his views, particularly on social justice and immigration. In 2023, he was briefly suspended by the BBC over a tweet comparing UK immigration rhetoric to 1930s Germany. The resulting backlash saw pundits walk out in solidarity, and the BBC aired a commentator-free version of Match of the Day.

Despite criticism, Lineker stood firm. In 2025, he told the BBC:

“The BBC tries to appease the people that hate the BBC… rather than worrying about the people that love it.”

His defiance turned him into a symbol of free speech and public trust within the institution.

What is Gary Lineker Doing Next?

After Match of the Day, Lineker is expected to focus fully on Goalhanger’s media productions, particularly expanding its podcasting footprint internationally. With The Rest Is Football soaring in popularity and his company gaining traction, Lineker’s next chapter is already underway.

He’s also likely to remain a public voice in sports and politics, continuing to engage with issues close to his heart.

Sources of Income Summary