Gary Lineker's net worth, whopping BBC salary, Match of the Day future and statement

Football fans could be braced to bid goodbye to a TV staple as fresh rumours emerge over Gary Lineker's Match of the Day future, with the BBC's highest-paid employee tipped for his farewell soon

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker's future is once again the talk of the town as rumours circle the BBC's highest earner is set to be moved on.

A reported 'leaked' email has suggested that the BBC are seriously considering moving on from the MOTD staple in the foreseeable future. However, the British broadcaster has sought to quell speculation after a statement was swiftly released dismissing the idea that a final decision has been made on Lineker's future.

"We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract," said a BBC spokesperson. "He is on contract until the end of the season." When approached by a reporter from the Mail outside his home in Barnes, south-west London to discuss the 'leaked' email, Lineker said: “'F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away.”

On one hand, the BBC could save itself a significant sum by cutting ties with Lineker, who would then be able to enjoy the riches he's earned over the years. While his time on the Premier League highlights show could come to an end even before the 2024/25 season is finished, nothing is certain for the 25-year MOTD veteran, other than he continues to flaunt one of the most enviable positions in British sport.

Net worth

It's been three years since Gary Lineker last appeared in an advert for Walker's crisps, but he's far from scrimping. Despite taking a 2021 pay cut from his previous BBC salary of £1.75million a year, the England icon has continued to bulk out his considerable nest egg.

From winning the old Second Division title with his native Leicester in 1980, Lineker went on to lift major titles with the likes of Tottenham and Barcelona. But his football fortune is only believed to account for a fraction of his net worth, which is believed to be in the range of £30m.

As good a player as Lineker was, one could argue he's eclipsed that career as one of the best football broadcasters to have graced British televisions. It's therefore no wonder his services have been coveted by the likes of BT Sport (now TNT Sports), NBC and Al Jazeera over the years, beefing up his pay packet along the way.

BBC Salary

Coming from his humble beginnings replacing Des Lynam in the hot seat back in 1999, Lineker has risen to become top dog in Media City. And one would be hard-pressed to find a footballing figure who earns more for their punditry, with Lineker tipping the scales on £1.35m a year, per the BBC's 2024 figures. He had also reportedly been considering taking a pay cut to £1m-a-year to sign a new deal.

His current pay is almost £500,000 more than nearest rival and DJ Zoe Ball, who has presented on the BBC at least five years more than the former Everton star. To put Lineker's figure into further context, the broadcaster could employ three of Alan Shearer - who earned £380,000 in the last tax year - and still have enough spare to hire Louis Theroux for some added colour.

MOTD Future

While not a lot was said in the BBC's latest statement regarding Lineker's future on MOTD, it's worth highlighting the emphasis placed on his contract running until the end of the season. Comments such as these may sometimes hint at efforts to extend terms or flatter the working relationship between the two parties, but there was no such mention on this occasion.

It remains to be seen if Lineker will be given the opportunity himself to decide if he extends his stay. The presenter has commented in the past that he'd remain in the role as long as he's wanted around, but it's possible the dial has shifted in that regard.

If he does go, the BBC are not short of candidates for the job. The likes of Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, Jason Mohammad and Kelly Somers are among the potential options with hosting experience.

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