Fan favourite Ian Wright becomes highest paid football pundit after bumper year of earnings amid Eni Aluko row

ITV sports presenter Ian Wright is now the highest earning pundit on telly - making an estimated profit of almost £2.2m last year.

His earnings now dwarf those of his longtime friend and former England skipper Gary Lineker who was paid £1.35m by the BBC as host of Match of the Day.

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Recent accounts for former Arsenal star Ian, 61, showed that his company, Elanar Ltd, had its best period yet in the year ending July 2024.

A TV insider said: “These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains - both the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”

His firm’s financial reports show he has over £1m in the bank and in the last financial year paid a staggering £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.19m during that period.

As well as his football punditry Ian also has other deals that have boosted his coffers, including ad campaigns for retail giants ranging from Marks & Spencer to adidas.

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ITV recently backed him following a row with his fellow presenter Eni Aluko, who accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football.

She later apologised, but he refused to accept the apology.

A spokesperson for the channel later said he was: “an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”

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