Gary Lineker’s podcast venture, Goalhanger Podcasts, has reported a significant £1.4 million surge in profits, underlining its remarkable rise in the audio broadcasting sector.
Latest figures filed at Companies House show the former footballer and BBC presenter’s enterprise accrued retained earnings of £2.03 million last year, up from £590,000. Cash reserves also jumped from £560,000 to £2.7 million. Founded in 2019, Goalhanger has become a heavyweight in podcast production, delivering hit shows such as The Rest Is Football, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History. Collectively, these programmes have surpassed 400 million audio downloads and 85 million YouTube views.
Lineker, 64, launched the business alongside former ITV controller Tony Pastor and ex-BBC executive Jack Davenport, holding a majority stake in the company. His own series, The Rest Is Football, co-hosted with BBC colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, tackled Euro 2024 head-on, chalking up 19.6 million downloads during the tournament. Meanwhile, the firm has also expanded its workforce from seven to 16 employees over the past year.
Commenting on Goalhanger’s rapid growth, football finance expert Kieran Maguire said: “These figures are spectacular. Gary Lineker’s eye for a smart business opportunity is as keen as it was during his England playing days. The popularity of Goalhanger’s podcasts has delivered significant rewards for everyone involved.”
In addition to The Rest Is Football, the company’s catalogue boasts The Rest Is Politics, hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, which launched in 2022 and quickly attracted a devoted following. The Rest Is History, led by historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland, has likewise enjoyed widespread acclaim since its debut in 2020.
A Goalhanger spokesperson said: “We’re pleased with the continued growth of Goalhanger and the success of our shows, and we look forward to seeing our network continue to expand.”
Despite stepping down as presenter of Match of the Day in May after a 25-year tenure, Lineker will remain a fixture at the BBC. He is set to front coverage of the 2026 World Cup and the FA Cup from next season. “It felt like the right time,” he remarked. “I bowed out of my football career when it was right, and this feels the same. The BBC is taking Match of the Day in a fresh direction, and it’s sensible for someone else to take the helm. But you’ve not quite got rid of me just yet.”
