Gary Lineker departed the BBC last year after a long tenure as host of Match of the Day, yet he maintained an optimistic outlook. With his established success in British podcasts, industry observers anticipated a swift transition to new opportunities, and those expectations proved accurate.
In December, the 65-year-old former England striker secured a highly profitable agreement with Netflix to produce his podcast, The Rest Is Football. Associates describe the arrangement as ideal for Lineker, who thrives on covering major sporting events. The initiative includes plans for him to broadcast from the upcoming World Cup in the United States this summer.
Potential Visa Challenges from Social Media Activity
However, complications may arise due to Lineker’s outspoken political commentary on social media, particularly his criticisms of U.S. President Donald Trump. Insiders indicate significant apprehension among Netflix executives regarding these posts, which could jeopardize his ability to obtain a visa for entry into the country.
Recent proposals from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, outlined in December, mandate that applicants from the UK submit their social media history spanning the last five years. Instances have surfaced where visas were denied to travelers upon discovery of anti-Trump content on their devices. Experts note that expressions of anti-American sentiments online might result in outright bans.
The U.S. government’s guidelines emphasize protecting national interests by screening for potential threats. Lineker, a father of four, shows no signs of altering his approach. Just last Sunday, he shared a post to his 1.4 million Instagram followers denouncing Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace—which focuses on the Gaza peace initiative and global peacekeeping—as ‘unashamedly vain’ and ‘absurd.’ He also amplified a satirical clip from the political group Led By Donkeys targeting the board.
Netflix leadership acknowledges Lineker’s perspectives, yet recognizes the risks to their flagship project launching in June. A source within the company explains: ‘The planned World Cup coverage from New York hinges on Lineker securing a visa. Legal advisors have raised alarms that approval might be withheld, leading to substantial financial losses and public humiliation for Netflix. Given Lineker’s progressive stance, which contrasts sharply with the president’s, a targeted decision to bar him could unfold.’
The source adds: ‘It would represent a major setback, though Lineker persists with his unfiltered social media presence.’
Lineker’s history includes a 2023 suspension from the BBC for likening UK asylum policies to 1930s Germany, followed by tightened social media guidelines. His exit last May stemmed from reposting content on Zionism featuring a rat illustration—a recognized antisemitic symbol—for which he issued a full apology.
Broader Implications for Netflix’s Business Moves
Beyond the visa issue, Netflix faces additional hurdles in pursuing an acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. Executives worry that Lineker’s public rebukes of Trump and his administration might be viewed as broader attacks on the U.S., potentially influencing the deal’s approval, especially if the president intervenes.
The insider notes: ‘Lineker’s direct challenges to Trump could complicate perceptions and negotiations. If the president engages, obstacles may emerge. His Instagram activity has created ongoing frustration for Netflix.’
Accusations of Hypocrisy in Podcast Content
Internally, tensions simmer at Lineker’s production company, Goalhanger Podcasts, where colleagues have labeled his handling of David Beckham’s family matters as opportunistic. Following Brooklyn Beckham’s Instagram outburst against his estranged parents last month, an urgent episode of The Rest Is Entertainment addressed the 26-year-old’s revelations.
While various outlets produced similar content—including special podcasts and documentaries—staff at Goalhanger viewed Lineker’s decision as inconsistent. They point to his previous outrage over media coverage of a vacation photo with his daughter-in-law in Mexico, arguing he selectively demands privacy.
The source reveals: ‘Team members criticized the move as profiting from the Beckham dispute, but their concerns were dismissed, and the episode proceeded. Lineker often condemns press intrusions, yet eagerly covered this story without extending the same respect to the Beckham family.’
Co-host Richard Osman opted out of the Beckham-focused episode, leaving Marina Hyde to host solo. Though Osman later touched on the topic, he emphasized his disinterest in the conflict. The insider observes: ‘Osman demonstrated consistency in his principles. Lineker might benefit from similar restraint.’
