Gary Lineker’s substantial BBC salary has been unveiled as the corporation published its annual list of top earners, with the 64-year-old continuing to command the highest pay despite his decision to leave the iconic Match of the Day (MOTD) show.
For the eighth consecutive year, Lineker tops the BBC salary chart, earning an impressive £1.35 million a year. This figure underscores his enduring value to the broadcaster, even as he prepares to depart from his long-standing presenting role.
Close behind him is Zoe Ball, host of the BBC Radio 2 morning show, who earned £519,999 this year — a significant drop from her previous £950,000. Football legend and MOTD analyst Alan Shearer saw his pay rise to £445,000, up from £380,000 in 2024.
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Other notable earners include Radio 1 DJ Greg James, whose salary increased to £429,999, securing him the fourth spot, while veteran presenter Fiona Bruce earned £414,999, placing her fifth on the list.
Mark Chapman, one of the presenters set to succeed Lineker on MOTD next season, received £329,999.
Interestingly, while Lineker and Ball top the salary table, they are the only two among the highest earners whose pay did not increase this year; Lineker’s pay remained stable, while Ball’s salary dropped sharply following her move from BBC Radio 1.
Lineker’s departure from the BBC was announced in May as a mutual agreement after controversy arose over his recent social media activity. He faced significant backlash after sharing a pro-Palestine video on Instagram that included a rat emoji — widely considered an antisemitic symbol. Lineker quickly deleted the post and issued a public apology, expressing regret for the offensive references and clarifying his stance against antisemitism.
Despite the controversy, Lineker has maintained his support for the Palestinian people, describing their situation as “beyond depraved” and “unimaginable.” He criticized the international response to the humanitarian crisis, acknowledging the complexity of the political landscape but firmly condemning the suffering endured by Palestinians.
This latest salary disclosure highlights Lineker’s sustained prominence and influence at the BBC, even as the network navigates the fallout from his departure and the transition of Match of the Day’s presenting team.