Gary Lineker Announces His Final Broadcast on BBC’s Match of the Day Tonight After Controversial Instagram Post Ends His Longstanding Career

Tonight, millions of football fans will tune in to watch Gary Lineker present Match of the Day one last time.

After decades as a familiar face and voice on the BBC, the 64-year-old broadcaster is stepping away amid controversy — a decision that will ripple through the BBC’s star-studded payroll and beyond.

Why Gary Lineker’s BBC Departure Is Making Headlines

Lineker’s exit was confirmed on Monday following a backlash over an anti-Semitic Instagram post he shared, which led to the BBC deciding not to renew his role.

While many expected him to front major football events like the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup coverage, those plans are now off the table. Instead, tonight’s Match of the Day will be his farewell.

Interestingly, Lineker will leave the BBC without the usual pay-off despite earning a hefty £1.4 million a year, making him the corporation’s highest-paid presenter.

One insider shared that by ending Lineker’s contract early, the BBC could save close to £900,000 in costs over the next year — a significant sum given ongoing budget pressures.

What Gary Lineker Is Focusing on Next

While his time at the BBC is ending, Lineker isn’t going anywhere financially.

He’s turning his attention fully to his podcast empire, Goalhanger, which produces popular shows like The Rest is History and The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

Founded in 2019, this venture has been wildly successful, recording a £1.4 million profit last year alone.

Recent accounts reveal Goalhanger’s financial strength, with retained earnings jumping from £590,000 in 2023 to over £2 million, and cash reserves rising to £2.7 million.

So, even without his BBC salary, Lineker is well-positioned to thrive in his next chapter.

Big Names Leaving the BBC Shake Up the Rich List

Lineker isn’t the only big name stepping back from the BBC recently.

Zoe Ball, who ranked second on the corporation’s rich list with a pay package just shy of £1 million, also left her high-profile Radio 2 Breakfast Show last year.

Although she remains with the BBC, stepping down from such a prominent slot meant a big pay cut, with her replacement Scott Mills earning considerably less.

Then there’s the unfortunate case of Huw Edwards, who will not return to television after serious criminal convictions.

These departures, combined with ongoing cost-saving measures, mean the BBC’s star payroll is undergoing a major reshuffle.

Who’s Rising as the BBC’s Top Paid Stars Now

With these changes, Radio 1 Breakfast host Greg James is now set to become the BBC’s highest-paid star, earning just under £420,000 annually.

James’ pay climbed sharply recently, moving him from seventh to fourth place on the rich list.

Known for his engaging style, he’s been a fixture on Radio 1 since 2012 and also hosts several TV shows.

Other top earners include BBC presenters Fiona Bruce and Stephen Nolan, each earning close to £410,000, and Lauren Laverne, one of four women in the top ten paid presenters, who made just under £400,000.

Meanwhile, former footballer Alan Shearer’s salary dipped slightly, reflecting the lack of major football tournaments last year.

BBC’s Changing Approach to Presenter Salaries

The BBC has faced ongoing criticism over high presenter salaries, especially during times of budget cuts and licence fee scrutiny.

Zoe Ball herself took a voluntary pay cut in 2020 after public outcry about her £1.36 million earnings.

Since then, BBC management has signaled a clear intent to reduce these six- and seven-figure paychecks.

When Ball indicated she might leave, the corporation made only minimal attempts to keep her, seeing an opportunity to save substantial money by bringing in Scott Mills at a significantly lower salary.

An insider told MailOnline that while Mills’ new pay will increase for the demanding breakfast show role, it will still fall far short of Ball’s previous earnings — potentially saving the BBC close to half a million pounds annually.

What This Means for the BBC’s Future

Even with high-profile exits and pay cuts, the BBC is facing pressure to tighten its budget further.

Last month, it announced plans to cut several shows as part of a wider savings drive.

This restructuring, combined with shifting talent and a focus on new media ventures like podcasts, suggests the broadcaster is evolving to meet the challenges of today’s media landscape.

For Gary Lineker, it’s a bittersweet goodbye to a broadcasting career that spanned decades, but also an exciting new chapter as he builds a successful media business outside the traditional TV world.