Gary Lineker’s journey from football legend to media mogul has been nothing short of remarkable.
While he’s long been recognized as one of the most prominent sports broadcasters, it’s his venture into the podcasting world that has truly solidified his business acumen.
His podcast company, Goalhanger Podcasts, has seen phenomenal growth, and newly released financial records show just how lucrative this side of his career has become.
A Multi-Million Pound Podcast Empire
Goalhanger Podcasts, founded by Lineker in 2019, has rapidly grown into one of the leading podcast production companies in the world.
With shows like The Rest Is Football, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is History, the company has captured a massive audience, consistently topping the podcast charts.
The latest financial figures highlight just how successful Goalhanger has been.
In the past year alone, the company recorded an astonishing £1.4 million profit, with its retained earnings rising from £590,000 in 2023 to £2.03 million.
The company’s cash reserves also saw an impressive jump, climbing from £560,000 to £2.7 million.
A Winning Formula With Star-Studded Shows
At the heart of Goalhanger’s success is The Rest Is Football, a show co-hosted by Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards.
The podcast dives into the biggest football stories and has resonated deeply with fans.
During Euro 2024 alone, the show was downloaded a staggering 19.6 million times.
But it’s not just sports content driving Goalhanger’s rise.
The Rest Is Politics, featuring former political heavyweights Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, has become a must-listen for those eager to understand current affairs.
Meanwhile, The Rest Is History, hosted by historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland, has found a devoted audience since its 2020 launch.
With 13 flagship podcasts in its network, Goalhanger has amassed over 400 million audio downloads and 85 million YouTube views in 2024 alone.
The company has also expanded its team, growing from seven employees to 16 in just one year.
Industry Experts Praise Lineker’s Business Acumen
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire described Goalhanger’s financial success as “spectacular,” likening Lineker’s business instincts to his sharpness on the pitch.
“Gary Lineker’s eye for a smart business opportunity is as keen as when he was playing for England and scoring goals,” Maguire said via The Times.
A spokesperson for Goalhanger echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “We’re pleased with the continued growth of Goalhanger and the success of our shows, and we look forward to seeing our network continue to expand.”
Stepping Away From Match of the Day
Despite his thriving podcast empire, Lineker remains a key figure in sports broadcasting.
However, after 25 years as the face of Match of the Day, he has decided to step down in May.
While he will no longer be the show’s main host, he isn’t leaving the BBC entirely.
He will continue presenting coverage for the 2026 World Cup and next season’s FA Cup.
Reflecting on his decision, Lineker shared, “It felt like the right time.
The BBC has the rights for another three years, and I felt that if I stayed for just one more season, it would feel a bit odd.
I also wanted to finish on a major tournament and do the FA Cup as well. So you’ve not quite got rid of me just yet.”
A New Chapter With ITV
While stepping away from Match of the Day, Lineker has already lined up his next move.
He’s set to join ITV’s new show, The Assembly, where celebrities will face unscripted and unfiltered questions from a panel of autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled individuals.
Other big names, including David Tennant, Danny Dyer, and Jade Thirlwall, have also signed on for the show.
The format promises a fresh and candid take on celebrity interviews, forcing high-profile guests to engage in truly honest conversations.
What’s Next?
With Goalhanger Podcasts continuing its meteoric rise and new TV opportunities on the horizon, Lineker is showing no signs of slowing down.
Whether it’s in the podcasting world, television, or new business ventures, his ability to adapt and thrive keeps him at the top of the game.
One thing is clear: Gary Lineker’s influence in media is only growing, and his next chapter is shaping up to be just as compelling as the last.