Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Gary Lineker, FIFA World Cup, Football, Match Of The Day
Ryan Smart
Topics: Gary Lineker, FIFA World Cup, Football, Match Of The Day
Gary Lineker has been named as the highest-paid BBC presenter for the eighth year running - by a significant margin.
Lineker has presented Match of the Day and live FA Cup action for the broadcaster over the past 12 months.
The 64-year-old fronted MOTD for the final time in May before leaving the BBC a year earlier than planned.
He was due to host coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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In their Annual Report, the BBC have disclosed that Lineker was paid £1.35 million during his final year with the broadcaster.
The BBC does not disclose exact figures as part of their report and instead uses pay bands, with Lineker earning between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999.
Any individual who has earned over £178,000 from licence fee revenue is named in the report, with certain earnings - including those paid out by BBC Studios - excluded.
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Lineker received almost double the amount of the BBC's second highest-paid presenter, the report reveals.
Former Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball earned £515,000-£515,999.
And Lineker's Match of the Day colleague Alan Shearer is in third place on £440,000.
The full report discloses the salaries of six sports presenters and pundits, with Alex Scott (£205,000-£209,999), Mark Chapman (£325,000-£329,999), Jason Mohammad (£230,000-£234,999) and Chris Sutton (£200,000-£204,999) all named.
The full top 10 list, spanning across all BBC platforms, can be seen below.
It was announced in November 2024 that Lineker would step down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season.
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The trio of Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman were announced as his replacements and will alternate hosting duties from next season.
Despite his exit from the Premier League highlights programme after 25 years, Lineker was due to front the BBC's 2026 World Cup coverage and continue to produce two podcasts.
However, it was announced in May that he would be leaving the corporation altogether.
Lineker stepped back from the BBC days after he reposted a video about Zionism on his Instagram page.
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The post contained an illustration of a rat, which is considered as an antisemitic insult.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Lineker said: "Last week, I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations.
"Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology.
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"I would like once again to say I'm sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that.
"I've stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues, and against all forms of racism, all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor. There's no place for it, and nor should there be.
"So I think it's best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether, and not do next season's FA Cup or World Cup.
"It's been a pleasure and a huge privilege working with the BBC for 30 years, especially hosting Match of the Day - a programme that is so close to my heart, and an integral part of my life."