Gary Lineker's huge BBC salary BBC, millionaire net worth, Match of the Day statement

Gary Lineker is the face of the BBC's Match of the Day, but a leaked email has suggested the corporation are considering moving on from the former England captain

The future of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has become a hot topic amid rumours suggesting the BBC might be considering his exit.

An email that was allegedly 'leaked' points towards discussions within the BBC over the potential move away from their top earner. In an attempt to dampen the speculation, the broadcaster issued a statement emphasising the current state of affairs: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract," a BBC spokesperson remarked. "He is on contract until the end of the season."

When confronted on the matter of any 'leaked' email outside his Barnes residence, Lineker had a sharp retort for the Mail reporter pressing him for answers and replied: "'F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away." However, that only leads to more questions as to what lies ahead for both the BBC and Lineker if his 25-year stay draws to a close next summer.

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Net Worth

Three years on from his last appearance in a Walker's crisps advert, Lineker is far from starved of employment. Despite accepting a pay cut in 2021 from his previous BBC salary of £1.75million, the England legend has continued to grow his substantial wealth.

From clinching the old Second Division title with his hometown team Leicester in 1980, Lineker went on to secure major titles with big names like Tottenham and Barcelona. However, it's estimated his football earnings only make up a small portion of his estimated net worth, which is thought to be around £30m.

As talented as Lineker was during his playing days, some might argue he's surpassed that success as one of the top football broadcasters in the industry. It's no surprise his skills have therefore been sought after by networks such as BT Sport (now TNT Sports), NBC and Al Jazeera over the years, with a variety of posts only boosting his bank balance further.

BBC Salary

Starting from his modest beginnings taking over from Des Lynam, in 1999, Lineker has reigned in one of the BBC's best seats for a quarter of a century. It would be difficult to find another football personality who earns more for their punditry, with Lineker earning an impressive £1.35m annually, according to the BBC's 2024 figures.

There have also been reports he would consider reducing his salary to £1m per year to sign a new contract. However, there's no confirmation as of yet as to whether that will materialise.

His current salary is nearly £500,000 more than his closest competitor, Zoe Ball, who has been a BBC presenter for at least five years longer. To give greater context on Lineker's earnings, the BBC could afford to employ Alan Shearer - who made £380,000 in the last tax year - three times over and still have enough left over to bring in Louis Theroux for some additional flair.

MOTD Future

The BBC's most recent statement didn't reveal much about Lineker's future on MOTD, but it's worth noting the emphasis on his contract running until the end of the season. Comments like these can sometimes suggest attempts to extend contracts or praise the working relationship between the two parties, but there was no such mention this time.

It's yet to be determined if Lineker will have the chance to decide whether he extends his tenure. The host has previously stated he would keep going in his most famed role as long as the company wants him, but it's possible the situation has changed.

Should he leave, the BBC has plenty of potential replacements on its radar. Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, Jason Mohammad and Kelly Somers are some of the experienced hosts who could take over once he steps away.