Gary Lineker’s final BBC salary has been revealed after the latest figures were released on Tuesday. The former Match of the Day host has stepped down from his role after a social media post sparked an anti-Semitic controversy. He shared a video about Zionism that featured images of rats. Rat has historically been used as an insult, a term used by Nazi Germany against Jews.
In a statement, Lineker apologized for the post and insisted he would never intentionally post offensive content aimed at any particular group. He currently hosts a daily edition of The Rest Is Football on Netflix during the World Cup, alongside regular co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Although Mr Lineker had not been employed by the BBC for over a year, he still managed to bank a significant amount of money in the year to March 2026.
The former England striker was paid between £325,000 and £329,999 during that period, as revealed in the broadcaster’s annual report.
He was once the BBC’s highest-paid media figure, but has since fallen to 15th place on the list. His income came from presenting work on Match of the Day and other football coverage.
Other celebrities at the BBC have also been affected by pay cuts, with Mr Shearer’s salary expected to fall from a range of £440,000 to £449,999 to between £390,000 and £394,999.
This is despite the former Newcastle and England forward playing a key role in World Cup broadcasts, particularly against the Three Lions.
Scott Mills was the BBC’s highest earner until he was made redundant by the company, taking home between £745,000 and £749,999 in the year to March 2026.
Meanwhile, Lineker recently subtly criticized his former employer, explaining that he no longer has to “tread on eggshells”.
“I love the BBC and always will,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for it. It made for great television, and I think it’s the same for sports.
“But I’m enjoying life without having to walk on eggshells and everything is going really well. So, no, I don’t miss it at all.”
