Gary Lineker signs an ‘extraordinarily lucrative’ football deal with Netflix

The 64-year-old TV presenter is set to host hit podcast series The Rest Is Football for the platform from America during the World Cup in 2026

England legend Gary Lineker has signed an “extraordinarily lucrative” deal with Netflix.

The 64-year-old TV presenter is set to host The Rest Is Football, his hit podcast series, for the platform from America during the World Cup in 2026.

A source said: “The Rest is Football is currently available to watch on YouTube but it has not been affiliated to any other network or broadcaster. This is all new for Netflix and it is being described as an exciting a new thing amongst the bosses there.”

Lineker left the BBC earlier this year after a social media post caused controversy, prompting him to step down from all presenting duties. He was originally due to host the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup in America, but he’ll now be there with his podcast series.

The insider continued: “It will mean that Gary gets a huge payday, it is an extremely popular show but when he left the BBC he took it with him. This will mean that its profile will catapult again, as well as meaning that Gary will go to the World Cup after all, just in a very different capacity.”

Lineker left the BBC in May after sharing a social media post about Zionism that featured an illustration of a rat, which has historically been used as an anti-Semitic insult.

The former sports star subsequently issued an apology and announced that he was leaving his role at the corporation.

Gary – who enjoyed a hugely successful playing career, before joining the BBC – said at the time: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.

“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.

“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”