Gary Lineker Says Farewell to Match of the Day: What’s Next for the Football Legend?

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End of an Era: Lineker Quits MOTD After 25 Years

Gary Lineker, the iconic face of BBC’s Match of the Day, has announced his departure from the show after an impressive 25-year stint. The former England striker, now 63, revealed that he feels it’s the right time to step down as the show prepares for a new four-year contract with the BBC, set to commence next season. Lineker stated, “I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”

His emotional farewell reflects a deep appreciation for the role, as he described presenting the show as an “absolute joy and a privilege.” However, Lineker is not stepping away from the spotlight entirely; he has exciting plans in the pipeline.

Podcast Power: Lineker’s New Venture

Despite leaving behind a lucrative £1.35 million annual salary with the BBC, Lineker is set to thrive through his podcasting empire. His company, Goalhanger Podcasts, is making waves in the industry, producing a total of 13 podcasts that span topics from politics to entertainment, alongside football.

The success of Goalhanger Podcasts is staggering, with over 40 million downloads each month. The company has captured the top four spots in the British podcast charts, with shows like The Rest Is History and The Rest Is Politics leading the charge. Lineker’s own podcast, The Rest Is Football, is also a fan favourite, ranking at No.8.

From Documentaries to Podcasts: A Strategic Shift

Lineker co-founded Goalhanger Films Ltd in 2014, initially focusing on documentaries. However, a recent shift has seen the company pivot entirely towards podcasting, with co-founder Tony Pastor announcing the closure of their film division to concentrate on this rapidly growing medium.

“We’ve gone from a production company being entirely beholden to commissioners and the budgets of broadcasters to having a degree of self-control,” Pastor explained, highlighting the freedom that comes with self-commissioning content.

Star-Studded Lineup: Who’s Behind the Mic?

Goalhanger Podcasts boasts an impressive roster of hosts, including not just Lineker, but also sports personalities like Micah Richards and Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football. Meanwhile, The Rest Is History features Hollywood stars like Tom Holland and guests such as Tom Hanks discussing historical events.

The Rest Is Politics sees former political figures like Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart tackle contemporary issues, while The Rest Is Entertainment, hosted by Richard Osman and Marina Hyde, dives into the latest trends in film and television.

Financial Gains: How Lineker is Cashing In

With the staggering number of downloads and views, Goalhanger Podcasts is generating significant revenue. Advertisers reportedly pay £45 for every 1,000 listens, leading to impressive earnings for the company. During the recent Euros, Lineker is believed to have earned an additional £125,000 alongside his BBC duties.

One episode of The Rest Is Football alone garnered over 530,000 views on YouTube, while The Rest Is History continues to be a bestseller with 11 million downloads monthly and a robust subscriber base. This success translates into an estimated £500,000 monthly income from spoken ads.

The Future of Match of the Day: Who Will Step In?

With Lineker’s exit, the BBC is considering a rotation of presenters for Match of the Day. Early favourites to take over include Mark Chapman, who already hosts MOTD2, and Alex Scott, a familiar face in sports broadcasting. Gabby Logan, Micah Richards, Jason Mohammad, and even Jeff Stelling have also been mentioned as potential successors.

Lineker’s Legacy: A New Chapter Awaits

While Lineker bids farewell to the MOTD chair, he is far from finished. His venture into the podcasting world promises to keep him in the public eye while allowing him to explore new avenues of creativity. With his significant stake in Goalhanger Podcasts, Lineker is poised for a lucrative future that will keep his voice resonating in the hearts of fans long after his departure from television.