Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have been partners in crime on television for many years (Image: Getty Images)
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have formed an unbeatable duo in the football broadcasting world, despite their limited time playing together on the pitch. However, it's Shearer who – perhaps surprisingly – holds the larger fortune between the two.
The pair, along with Micah Richards, have demonstrated a remarkable chemistry when in front of the camera or microphone. Lineker, 64, is usually seen posing questions to Shearer, 54, on the Match of the Day sofa. But as Lineker prepares to step down from his presenting role on the BBC's Premier League highlights show at the end of the 2024/25 season, fans will soon miss seeing the dynamic duo on their screens. Lineker will continue to present the FA Cup for the broadcaster next season, as well as the 2026 World Cup, but he will not be on the nation's screens anywhere near as much.
Despite Lineker being the one steering the conversation, it's actually ex-England and Newcastle United captain Shearer who boasts the larger bank balance.
As expected, a significant chunk of both former players' wealth has been accumulated through their highly successful football careers. Lineker made his name with Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, while Shearer came through the ranks at Southampton, won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and then earned legend status at Newcastle United.
However, they've also managed to increase their wealth through business ventures. It's understood that Lineker has a net worth of £30million – a substantial portion of which comes from his salary at the BBC.
According to the BBC's accounts for 2023-2024, this was between £1.3m and £1,354,999 – nearly £1m more than Shearer's (£380,000), although he primarily serves as a pundit rather than a show host.
Lineker and Shearer will mainly work with each other on their podcast (Image: PA)
Despite the significant salary gap, Newcastle United's record goalscorer has amassed an estimated net worth of around £40m, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
In addition to his BBC salary, Shearer – whose playing career finished more than a decade later than Lineker's and meant he profited more from the fast-growing wages in football in the Premier League era – has also worked as a pundit and co-commentator for Amazon Prime and Al-Jazeera. He is also a stakeholder in the fitness company Speedflex.
After his short spell as interim manager of Newcastle United in 2009, Shearer invested in the company and now serves as a director. According to Company Check, it boasts a value of approximately £13.6m.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
On the other hand, Lineker has diversified his income streams. Alongside his broadcasting career, he owns a podcast media company named 'Goalhanger', which he established in 2014 with former ITV controller Tony Pastor.
The popular podcast, 'The Rest is Football', which he co-hosts with Shearer and Richards and occasionally features guest appearances, is one of many audio shows produced by his company. They also broadcast 'The Rest is Politics' and 'The Rest is History', both of which have gained considerable popularity in the UK. As of May 31, 2024, the company's accounts showed a net worth of around £1.9m, plus an additional £2.7m in cash reserves.
Lineker long collaborated with crisp brand 'Walkers', whom he first signed with in 1995 for an initial contract of £200,000.
In 2020, he signed a £1.2m deal with the firm, which interestingly allowed him to feature in fewer advertisements but engage more in ambassadorial roles and participate in initiatives targeting grassroots sports and plastic consumption.
