Gary Lineker has topped this year’s BBC salary list following his controversial exit from the corporation.
The former Premier League and England footballer confirmed in May he will leave his presenting role after the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season.
He also said he will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage.
The 64-year-old’s exit came after he apologised for sharing a social media post about Zionism that contained an image of a rat.
Following him on the list of top earners is Zoe Ball, who earned £519,99, as Gary took home £1,354,999.
This marks a sharp decrease in Zoe’s salary last year, which was £954,999, as she finished in second place again.
Who are the BBC’s top earners in 2025?
Gary Lineker – £1,350,000 – £1,354,999
Zoe Ball – £515,000 – £519,99
Alan Shearer – £440,000 – £444,999
Greg James – £425,000 – £429,999
Nick Robinson – £410,000 – £414,999
Fiona Bruce – £410,000 – £414,999
Stephen Nolan – £405,000 – £409,999
Laura Kussenburg – £395,000 – £399,000
Vernon Kay – £390,000 – £394,999
Scott Mills – £355,000 – £359,999
It comes after Zoe announced in November last year that she was stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show after six years to ‘focus on family’.
Third on the list is Gary’s fellow Match of the Day presenter, Alan Shearer who earned between £440,000 – £444,999.
In fourth place is Radio 1 host Greg James, whose wage has increased from £419,000 to £425,000.
In 10th place again is Zoe’s replacement on Radio 2, Scott Mills who earned £355,000, an increase from £319,999 last year.
More to follow.
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