**Gary Lineker: Wealth, Health Worries, and a Life in the Spotlight as BBC Departure Looms**
Gary Lineker, one of the best-known faces on British television and a former England footballer, is preparing for an unexpected and early departure from the BBC, marking the end of an era for Match of the Day and beyond. Amidst reports of mounting controversy and the loss of his high-profile role, questions have surfaced about his financial security, personal health concerns, and private life away from the cameras.
The 64-year-old broadcaster will present what is expected to be his final episode of Match of the Day this weekend, rounding off a 26-year stint fronting the flagship football programme. Although his original contract envisaged a longer stay, including presenting duties for the BBC’s coverage of next year’s World Cup and continued involvement in FA Cup broadcasts, his imminent exit has been triggered by a social media post involving Zionism and an illustration deemed offensive by many.
While Lineker quickly apologised for the contentious post—stressing that he’d “never knowingly” promote antisemitic views—sources have suggested the BBC sees his position as increasingly untenable. An official confirmation of his departure could be made as early as Monday, according to insiders.
Throughout his time at the BBC, Lineker has repeatedly hit headlines regarding his substantial pay packet. The corporation’s most recent salary disclosure revealed he was earning between £1.3 and £1.35 million for the 2023/24 period—a figure which, even after he offered to take a £350,000 pay cut, remains one of the highest in British broadcasting. Previously, he reached even higher payscales, prompting senior colleagues to criticise the sums as “outrageous”. A significant proportion of Lineker’s estimated £30 million fortune comes as much from his television work as from his football career, which wrapped up just before the financial boom of the Premier League era. Moreover, with the recent growth of Goalhanger Podcasts—whose ventures, including The Rest Is Football, recorded profits in excess of £1.4 million this year—his business interests now look set to cushion the blow of his lost BBC role.
Away from professional matters, Lineker’s unconventional relationships have often drawn public comment. Having first married Michelle Cockayne in 1986—with whom he shares four sons—Lineker’s first marriage ended after two decades amid allegations he’d caused his wife “stress and anxiety”. In the years following, he wed Welsh actress and model Danielle Bux. This relationship, too, ended in divorce in 2016, reportedly due to differing views on having more children. Yet, Lineker’s amicable ties with his ex-wife and her new husband remain. He has candidly described their friendship as “unusual”, but insists mutual respect prevails, often spending time together when visiting Los Angeles. “What is normal?” he recently mused, arguing that harmonious post-divorce relations should not be frowned upon if they’re possible.
At present, Lineker identifies as happily single, enjoying the company of his sons and friends. He acknowledges the odd date here and there, but shows no urgency to enter into another serious relationship. While rumours occasionally swirl about possible new romantic links—including with public figures such as Jemima Goldsmith—these are typically played down or dismissed altogether.
Health is another area where Lineker displays notable self-awareness. He has openly discussed his worries about suffering from conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s in later life, reflecting widespread concerns among retired footballers. Long before the risks of repetitive heading in football were widely reported, Lineker chose to limit heading the ball during training in his playing days, fearing its potential long-term consequences. He has shared his apprehensions with fellow professionals, acknowledging that the statistics are not in former players’ favour.
Further reflecting a proactive approach, Lineker undergoes regular medical check-ups, including neurocognitive tests and full body screenings. He has spoken about a prostate cancer scare, stressing the importance of early detection, and encourages other men not to shy away from routine health checks. Notably, he has also written about a health scare during the 1988 European Championships, when he lost a significant amount of weight and feared a life-threatening illness, which ultimately turned out to be hepatitis.
At the close of almost three decades as the face of British football coverage, Gary Lineker’s legacy encompasses far more than just his work in front of the camera. As he prepares for a new chapter, he leaves behind not only a sizeable net worth and successful business interests, but also a life marked by personal honesty and public scrutiny in equal measure. Whether future projects will keep him in the public eye, or if he relishes a step back, only time will tell.