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Why is Gary Lineker Paid So Much by the BBC? What is Gary Lineker Net Worth? How Much Does Gary Lineker Get Paid by the BBC?
by Aishwarya
Updated Jul 29, 2024
Why is Gary Lineker Paid So Much by the BBC?
Gary Lineker is paid a high salary by the BBC because he is a well-known and experienced sports presenter. He presents "Match of the Day" and other sports coverage, making him one of the most recognizable faces in British sports broadcasting. His extensive career as a former England football player and top scorer for clubs like Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur adds to his credibility and popularity.
Lineker has been with the BBC for 25 years, and his high pay reflects his value to the broadcaster and the significant role he plays in attracting viewers. However, his large salary often leads to public complaints since it is funded by the TV licence fee paid by households. (Source: Reuters)
Who is Gary Lineker?
Gary Lineker is an English sports broadcaster and former professional footballer. He is known for being the top goalscorer in England with three different clubs: Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur. He also played for Barcelona in Spain and earned 80 caps playing for England.
After retiring from football, he began a media career with the BBC, where he has been presenting the football show "Match of the Day" since the late 1990s. Lineker also leads BBC's coverage of live football matches, including international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. Besides the BBC, he has worked for other sports networks such as Al Jazeera Sports, Eredivisie Live, NBC Sports Network, and BT Sport.
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Gary Lineker Career
Gary Lineker started his football career at Leicester City in 1978 and was the top scorer in the First Division in 1984-85. He then played for Everton, winning major awards, before moving to Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners' Cup. In 1989, he joined Tottenham Hotspur, winning the FA Cup. His last club was Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan, retiring in 1994. Lineker made his England debut in 1984, scoring 48 goals in 80 matches, and was the top scorer in the 1986 World Cup.
He played a key role in England's 1990 World Cup semi-final run, scoring four goals. He holds England's record for World Cup goals. Remarkably, he never received a yellow or red card and never won a top league title. In 1990, he was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award. Over his 16-year career, he scored 331 goals in 654 games. After retiring, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame and helped save Leicester City from bankruptcy in 2002, becoming honorary vice-president.
After retiring from football, Gary Lineker became a sports presenter. He started with the BBC and then appeared on various shows like "They Think It's All Over" and "Grandstand." Lineker replaced Desmond Lynam as the main presenter for "Match of the Day" in 1999 and also presented golf for the BBC. He worked for Al Jazeera Sport, NBCSN, and BT Sport. Lineker has been the highest-paid BBC presenter for several years, making around £1.35 million in 2020-21. He also appeared in Walkers crisps commercials and other media projects, including TV shows and films. Lineker runs his own production company, Goalhanger Films, and hosts a popular podcast.
Gary Lineker Early Life
Gary Lineker was born on November 30, 1960, in Leicester to Margaret and Barry Lineker. He was named after Winston Churchill, who shared his birthday. He has a younger brother named Wayne. Their father ran a fruit and vegetable stall in Leicester Market, where Gary often helped out. Despite being white, Gary faced racial abuse as a child due to his dark features.
Gary attended Caldecote Road School and later City of Leicester Boys' Grammar School because he preferred football over rugby. He was talented in both football and cricket, even captaining the Leicestershire Schools cricket team. As a teenager, he idolized cricketer David Gower. Gary played for Aylestone Park Youth and left school with four O Levels. One of his teachers doubted he could make a living from football, but Gary joined Leicester City's youth academy in 1976.
Gary Lineker Marital Life
Gary Lineker married Michelle Cockayne in 1986, and they have four sons together. In May 2006, Michelle filed for divorce, citing Gary's "unreasonable behaviour" that caused her stress and anxiety. Despite this, they stated that their split was amicable.
Their eldest son survived a rare form of leukaemia as a baby and was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. This experience led Gary to support children's cancer charities like CLIC Sargent, Leukaemia Busters, Fight for Life, and Cancer Research UK.
Gary later married Danielle Bux on September 2, 2009, in Italy. They divorced in January 2016 because Gary did not want more children. Gary Lineker is also known for his charity work and support for his former football club, Leicester City.
What is Gary Lineker Net Worth?
In 2024, Gary Lineker continues to top the BBC's highest-paid list for the seventh consecutive year, earning over £1 million annually, with an estimated net worth of around £30 million.
Gary Lineker earns his income primarily from his role as a sports presenter for the BBC and BT Sport, as well as from endorsements, notably with Walkers crisps. He also runs a production company, Goalhanger Films, and hosts several popular podcasts.
How Much Does Gary Lineker Get Paid by the BBC?
Gary Lineker earns approximately £1,350,000 to £1,354,999 annually from the BBC. This substantial amount has made him the highest-paid BBC presenter for seven consecutive years. His earnings highlight his prominent role and significant impact in sports broadcasting.
