Gary Lineker is a well-known figure in the world of football. He has had a long and illustrious career, both as a player and a pundit. In recent years, he has become the face of Match of the Day, the BBC’s flagship football programme. But just how much is Lineker paid for his work on the show? In this article, we will take a closer look at the presenter’s salary and the controversies that have surrounded it.
To start with, it is worth noting that Gary Lineker is one of the highest-paid presenters at the BBC. In 2020, his salary was reportedly £1.75 million, putting him in the top tier of the corporation’s earners. However, this figure only covers his work on Match of the Day, and does not include any other projects he may have worked on for the BBC.
So, why is Lineker paid so much for his role on Match of the Day? There are a few factors at play here. Firstly, he is an experienced and well-respected pundit, with a wealth of knowledge about the sport. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in England, including Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona, and he has also represented the England national team on numerous occasions. This gives him a level of credibility and expertise that is hard to match.
Another reason why Lineker commands such a high salary is that he is a popular and well-liked presenter. He has a natural charm and charisma that appeals to viewers, and he is known for his witty and insightful commentary. It is no surprise that many people tune in to Match of the Day specifically to watch Lineker’s analysis of the day’s games.
However, despite Lineker’s popularity, his salary has also been a source of controversy in recent years. In 2019, it was revealed that he had taken a pay cut of £400,000, reducing his salary to £1.75 million. This was part of a wider effort by the BBC to address the gender pay gap, as it was felt that male presenters like Lineker were being paid significantly more than their female colleagues.
This move was not without its critics, however. Some argued that Lineker’s salary was still too high, especially given the financial constraints faced by the BBC. Others pointed out that other high-profile presenters, such as Claudia Winkleman and Graham Norton, still earned significantly less than Lineker, despite being just as talented and popular.
Lineker himself has been outspoken on the issue of his salary. In an interview with The Times in 2019, he defended his pay, arguing that it was justified by the amount of work he did for the BBC. He also pointed out that he had taken a pay cut voluntarily, and that he was happy to do so if it meant addressing the gender pay gap.
It is worth noting that Lineker’s salary is not the only source of income he has. He is also known for his work as a brand ambassador and a commentator for major football tournaments such as the World Cup and the European Championships. These roles almost certainly add to his overall income, and may be a factor in why the BBC are willing to pay him such a high salary for his work on Match of the Day.
In conclusion, Gary Lineker is one of the highest-paid presenters at the BBC, earning a reported £1.75 million for his role on Match of the Day. While this salary has been the subject of controversy in recent years, it is clear that Lineker is a talented and popular presenter who brings a lot of value to the show. Whether or not his salary is justified is a matter of debate, but there is no doubt that he is a key figure in the world of football broadcasting.