Gary Lineker takes his ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast to Netflix

Broadcaster Gary Lineker has inked a take care of Netflix, marking a big shift within the streaming large’s content material technique. The deal will see Netflix host Lineker’s podcast, “The Relaxation is Soccer,” in the course of the 2022 World Cup. This transfer signifies Netflix’s first main enterprise into soccer protection and an enlargement of its podcast portfolio, positioning it as a possible rival to YouTube.

Lineker, who was initially slated to steer the World Cup protection for the BBC, introduced his early departure from the company in Might following an antisemitism row. The previous England striker confronted vital backlash for sharing a social media publish about Zionism that included a rat emoji, traditionally used as an antisemitic insult. Lineker has since apologised for the incident, stating that he didn’t see the picture and would by no means consciously repost something antisemitic.

“The Relaxation is Soccer,” hosted by Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards, is among the greatest audio exhibits in soccer streaming and presently releases three episodes every week. Nonetheless, it should run each day on Netflix all through the World Cup. Lineker expressed his pleasure concerning the deal, stating it was a “incredible alternative for the three of us to do what we love – speak soccer every single day – however on a very world stage”.

The present, produced by Goalhanger, will characteristic recreation evaluation, particular company, interviews, and insights into the world’s largest sporting occasion. Will probably be filmed in a studio in New York, with reporters dialling in from the England camp and fan zones.

Goalhanger, co-founded by Lineker, additionally produces different podcasts in “The Relaxation Is” collection, which deal with topics akin to politics, historical past, leisure, and cash. A model of the present will live on on audio platforms akin to Spotify and Apple Podcasts in the course of the World Cup, in keeping with Netflix.

Along with his Netflix enterprise, Lineker will host a brand new ITV recreation present, “The Field,” subsequent yr. The present will characteristic 10 celebrities transported to surprising areas in large yellow containers, tasked with finishing challenges upon their launch.

Regardless of the controversy, former Tottenham Hotspur striker Lineker’s contribution to sports activities broadcasting has not gone unnoticed. In September, he was named the very best TV presenter on the Nationwide Tv Awards, ending Ant and Dec’s 23-year successful streak.

Gary Lineker’s transfer to Netflix marks a brand new chapter in his broadcasting profession and a big step for Netflix in increasing its content material portfolio. As sports activities followers and sports activities betting followers eagerly await the World Cup“The Relaxation is Soccer” guarantees to ship partaking and insightful soccer evaluation on a world stage.