After 26 years at the BBC, Gary Lineker is stepping down from Match of the Day, marking the end of an era for the popular football program. The 64-year-old presenter’s final appearance is expected this week, according to recent reports from The Sun. While he initially planned to continue working with the BBC, including coverage for the 2026 World Cup, it now seems like his ties with the broadcaster could be severed completely.
Lineker’s career with the BBC has been highly lucrative, and his net worth is estimated at around £30 million. Most of this fortune has come from his long-standing role at the BBC, where his 2023/24 salary ranged from £1.3 to £1.35 million, making him the highest-paid star at the corporation for seven years running. In addition to his BBC salary, Lineker also runs a podcast company, Goalhanger, valued at £1.9 million, which has become a significant player in the podcasting world. He also has longstanding deals with brands like Walkers Crisps, which have contributed to his financial success.
Gary has had a colorful personal life, having been married twice. His first marriage to Michelle Cockayne ended after 20 years, and he later married actress Danielle Bux, but they separated in 2016. Despite his personal life being in the public eye, Gary remains focused on his media career and his personal ventures. He has a unique rapport with his dog, Filbert, which he humorously mentioned during a podcast episode.
Lineker’s future with the BBC came into question after a social media incident in which he reposted a video with imagery widely considered antisemitic. Following the backlash, he issued a public apology and agreed to step down from his BBC commitments, including the 2026 World Cup. “I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly,” Lineker stated.
Despite stepping down from Match of the Day, Gary Lineker remains one of the most recognizable faces in British sport and media. His podcast ventures, such as The Rest is Football, continue to thrive, and his commercial work, including deals with Walkers and other brands, is likely to keep him in the public eye. As Gary Lineker transitions away from his BBC role, his next steps in the media landscape are already being closely watched.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
