Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer's huge BBC pay bumps as salaries emerge for Match of the Day work

Gary Lineker's colossal BBC salary has been revealed following his Match of the Day departure. The broadcaster published its annual compensation list for top talent on Tuesday, showing that 64-year-old Lineker once again leads the pack.

The numbers show Lineker earning a massive £1.35million, making him the BBC's top earner for the eighth straight year. In second place is Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, earning £519,999 – down sharply from the £950,000 she made the previous year.

Alan Shearer, a regular on Match of the Day and former Newcastle striker, ranks third with £445,000, an increase from £380,000 in 2024. Greg James, a presenter on BBC Radio 1, also received a salary bump, bringing in £429,999 – up £20,000 from last year – placing him fourth on the list.

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Fiona Bruce follows closely behind with £414,999, landing in fifth place. Meanwhile, Mark Chapman, one of the three figures set to succeed Lineker on Match of the Day, earned £329,999.

Although both Lineker and Ball are still at the top of the BBC pay rankings, neither received a raise this year. Lineker's figure remained unchanged, while Ball’s dropped significantly after her departure from Radio 1.

Yet the most dramatic twist came with Lineker's abrupt BBC exit earlier this year altogether. In May, it was disclosed that the veteran sports host and ex-football star had agreed to leave the network by mutual decision amid growing criticism over his social media activity.

The backlash stemmed from a video Lineker reposted on Instagram in early May, which featured a rat emoji – an image tied to antisemitic Nazi messaging – and supported Palestinian causes. The post triggered immediate outrage and was quickly taken down.

While he issued a public apology, the fallout persisted. "On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references," he admitted in a statement. "I deeply regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic.

"While I firmly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also understand that how we do so matters," Lineker added. "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views."

He has continued to voice his concern for Palestinian suffering. He said: "It's beyond depraved, what they're [the Palestinian people] are going through, unimaginable. I don't know how the world thinks this is OK. We still seem to be on the side of the people who are doing this.

"Yes, I understand that they needed to avenge [the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023], but I don't think they've helped their own hostage situation at all. People say it's a complex issue, but I don't think it is."