Gary Lineker’s highly successful The Rest Is Football podcast has garnered significant attention, resulting in an estimated £125,000 in earnings since the commencement of Euro 2024. The 63-year-old former England striker, who currently receives an annual salary of £1.35 million as a broadcaster, has encountered disapproval for his outspoken remarks and alleged violation of BBC advertising regulations during the ongoing European Championship. Nevertheless, the podcast, which also features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, has experienced a substantial increase in downloads and views on YouTube.
An episode in which the commentators defended themselves against Harry Kane’s accusations received over 530,000 views, making it the third most-watched episode of the podcast on YouTube. A detailed examination of The Rest Is Football’s performance statistics and advertising rates indicates that Lineker has earned a substantial income from the podcast since the beginning of Euro 2024.
Reports suggest that advertisers pay £45 per 1,000 views to have their promotions voiced by the presenters on the show. Harry Lineker, the producer of the football podcast, has disclosed that the show’s downloads have surged by 62 per cent, while YouTube views have increased by 83 per cent since the start of the tournament. The high advertising rates can be attributed to the highly engaged and affluent audience that the production company, Goalhanger Podcasts, attracts for its various podcast shows.
Despite facing criticism for his comments on England’s performance and an alleged breach of BBC advertising regulations, Lineker continues to make a significant impact in the podcasting industry. The candid nature of The Rest Is Football has drawn a growing audience, and former players such as Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards have gained popularity on platforms like CBS through their unreserved commentary on the sport.
Nevertheless, Lineker has come under scrutiny for his controversial remarks, particularly for describing England’s performance as ‘s***’ after their match against Denmark. In response, England captain Harry Kane emphasized the responsibility that former players turned pundits hold in the public eye, reminding them of the challenges faced by current players and the nation’s prolonged international trophy drought.
The controversy surrounding Lineker has also extended to allegations of breaching BBC guidelines by promoting his own menswear collection during the Euro 2024 coverage. Reports indicate that Lineker wore garments resembling those from his clothing brand, leading to dissatisfaction among BBC staff. Lineker, however, has not responded to requests for comment on the matter, and BBC insiders have expressed frustration at what they perceive as preferential treatment for the former footballer.
In light of these developments, it is evident that Gary Lineker’s success in podcasting has not been without its fair share of controversy. The widespread interest in The Rest Is Football and the monetisation of the podcast underscore the evolving dynamics of sports commentary and broadcasting in the digital age. Despite the challenges and criticisms, Lineker’s prominence in the podcasting landscape remains undeniable.