Gary Lineker has been the face of BBC’s Match of the Day for over 25 years. But in May 2025, the former England striker announced he would leave the broadcaster following a social media controversy. The issue involved a reposted Instagram story containing an image of a rat, a symbol historically used as an antisemitic insult. In 2026, searches for “Gary Lineker tweet” remain high as fans follow his new ventures. This guide covers the timeline of his exit, the controversy, his net worth and his lucrative new deal with Netflix.
What Did Gary Lineker’s Controversial Tweet Say?
In May 2025, Lineker reposted a video on his Instagram story entitled “Zionism explained in less than 2 mins”. The video came from an activist group called Palestine Lobby. It featured an emoji of a rat, a symbol notoriously used by the Nazis to symbolise Jews. Lineker later said he had been unaware of the rat image and its historical connotations.
Speaking after the incident, he apologised “unreservedly”. He said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learnt contained offensive references. I very much regret these references.” He insisted he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic” and deleted the post as soon as he became aware of the issue. The backlash was immediate and severe.
Gary Lineker’s BBC Exit: What Happened?
Following the controversy, the BBC announced that Lineker would leave his presenting role. He had already planned to step down from Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season. However, he was also due to front the BBC’s 2026 World Cup coverage and next season’s FA Cup matches. Those plans were cancelled.
BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.” The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the outcome. Lineker had been the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, earning £1.35 million per year. Unlike a simple cup of coffee, this situation was complex and controversial.
Gary Lineker on Have I Got News For You
In May 2025, the BBC panel show Have I Got News For You discussed Lineker’s departure. Host Victoria Coren Mitchell prompted the panel: “Speaking of crisps, who has just been sacked?”
Panellist Ian Hislop responded: “Gary Lineker. He has left the BBC after retweeting an offensive antisemitic tweet… He understandably had to resign.” Janet Street-Porter added: “To retweet something like that on that subject without being ultra careful what you are retweeting, is stupid.”
Chris McCausland noted: “People can be very anti-BBC, and will look for any reason to have a go at them, but if you had a footballer tweet something that made the team look bad, these people would be let go.” Heads of State features political drama, but this was real-life fallout from a social media post.
Lineker’s 2023 Suspension: The Asylum Seeker Tweet
This was not the first time Lineker’s social media activity caused controversy. In March 2023, he was temporarily suspended by the BBC after a tweet about the UK government’s asylum policy. He wrote that the policy was “immeasurably cruel, directed at the most vulnerable people, in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s”.
Conservative politicians and some newspapers reacted furiously. The BBC asked him to abide by their impartiality guidelines. In response, several of his fellow pundits refused to work in solidarity. The BBC was forced to broadcast Match of the Day without presenters or pundits.
Lineker was eventually reinstated after a few days. Reflecting on the incident, he told FourFourTwo: “I wasn’t concerned that I’d done anything wrong. I just stated a fact. It was completely taken out of proportion.” Landman explores oil industry tensions, but Lineker’s tensions were with BBC management.
Netflix £14 Million Deal: The Rest Is Football
After leaving the BBC, Lineker found considerable success in the podcasting world. His hugely popular show “The Rest Is Football”, co-hosted with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, was snapped up by Netflix for £14 million. The programme will broadcast daily on the streaming platform this summer, providing coverage of the 2026 World Cup.
The deal drew criticism from the Campaign Against Antisemitism. A spokesperson said: “It appears that Netflix has conveniently forgotten the circumstances under which Gary Lineker left the BBC. Instead of keeping clear of him, they are rewarding his inflammatory posts on social media with an eye-watering package.”
Lineker is particularly enthused about being based in New York’s Times Square for the World Cup. “I was originally going to do it for the BBC this summer, but that didn’t transpire and I would have been in Salford in a green box,” he said. “Now I’m going to be in New York City overlooking Times Square with lots of great guests.” Colin From Accounts also found success on streaming platforms, but Lineker’s deal is on a much larger scale.
Gary Lineker’s Comments on Arne Slot
In May 2026, Lineker made headlines with a comment about Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Speaking candidly, he said: “Would Slot be there next season? Eleven defeats in the Premier League, still in the Champions League positions. I wouldn’t be surprised if Xabi Alonso was there next season.”
Alonso is a former Liverpool midfielder and a Champions League winner on the pitch. He now commands respect as a manager. Lineker’s comment added fuel to speculation about Slot’s future at Anfield.
Gary Lineker Net Worth in 2026
Gary Lineker’s estimated net worth is approximately £30 million to £35 million. He earned a £1.35 million annual salary from the BBC as its highest-paid presenter. He is also the co-founder of Goalhanger, the podcast production company behind “The Rest Is Football” and other popular shows.
His £14 million Netflix deal further boosted his wealth. He also earns from his work as a brand ambassador and speaker. Despite the controversies, he remains one of the wealthiest former footballers in Britain. The Wales football team may have its own stars, but few match Lineker’s earning power.
Why Gary Lineker’s Tweets Are Still Trending in 2026
Gary Lineker continues to dominate headlines for several reasons. His controversial exit from the BBC after the antisemitism row remains a talking point. lucrative Netflix deal has drawn both praise and criticism. His candid podcast comments about football managers and teams generate news coverage. Additionally, his legacy as one of Britain’s most popular sports broadcasters keeps him in the public eye.
From Match of the Day to Times Square, Lineker’s journey reflects the changing media landscape. He remains unapologetic, outspoken and as popular as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Gary Lineker leave the BBC?
He left after reposting an Instagram story about Zionism that contained an image of a rat, an antisemitic symbol. He apologised but agreed to step back from presenting.
What did Gary Lineker tweet in 2023?
He compared the language of the UK government’s asylum policy to that used in Germany in the 1930s, leading to his temporary suspension from Match of the Day.
What is Gary Lineker’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between £30 million and £35 million, built from his BBC salary, podcasting business and brand deals.
What is Gary Lineker doing now?
He co-hosts The Rest Is Football podcast, which has been acquired by Netflix for £14 million. He will front the streaming platform’s 2026 World Cup coverage from New York.
Is Gary Lineker still friends with Alan Shearer?
Yes. They co-host The Rest Is Football together and remain close friends and colleagues.
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