Gary Lineker hit with huge financial blow following departure from £1.35m BBC role
Gary Lineker wealth is in decline after he is set to leave the BBC following an antisemitism controversy that erupted last week.
The 64-year-old football pundit, who was due to host his final Match of the Day next week before staying on to cover the 2026 World Cup, was forced to apologise after sharing a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat – an image historically used as an antisemitic insult.
Lineker expressed deep regret over the post, stating he “very much regretted the references” and would “never share anything antisemitic.” He deleted the post after learning about the symbolism of the image.
The former Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham striker was the BBC’s highest-paid talent, topping the broadcaster’s rich list with earnings of £1.35million over the past 12 months according to the BBC’s summer report.
This salary significantly contributed to Lineker’s estimated net worth of around £30m, far exceeding what he earned during his playing career.
Lineker’s departure will represent a significant financial blow, with the loss of his £1.35m BBC salary.
However, the pundit has diversified his income streams over the years, having also presented for BT Sport (now TNT Sport), NBC, and Al Jazeera.
His total net worth is estimated at £30m, built up during his time as the BBC’s highest-paid talent, with his earnings from broadcasting far outstripping what he made during his football playing days, even at Barcelona.
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BBC Director General Tim Davie commented on the incident last week.
He said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone, and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”
Reports now suggest that BBC bosses deemed Lineker’s position as “untenable” following the controversy.
In an interview last month, Lineker had hinted at tensions with the broadcaster, saying: “Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that…”
Following his departure, Lineker will be replaced on Match of the Day by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the BBC controversy, Lineker’s long-standing commercial relationship with Walkers crisps remains intact.
He has been the face of the brand for over 30 years, appearing in more than 150 adverts.
In 2020, he reportedly signed a contract worth £1.2m over three years with Walkers.
Though he extended his deal in 2023, his current role involves fewer adverts but continues as an ambassador focusing on grassroots sports and plastic consumption.
Throughout his three-decade association with the crisp brand, Lineker has maintained one favourite flavour: “Salt and Vinegar. No question. Always has been. Always will be.”