Gary Lineker’s media production company, Goalhanger, has been named the fastest-growing business in Britain. The company, known for its popular "The Rest is…" podcast series, achieved remarkable sales figures and rapid expansion over the past three years, according to a new ranking.
Key Takeaways
- Goalhanger recorded £37.9m in sales in 2025.
- The business has grown at an average annual rate of 321% over the last three years.
- Podcasts like "The Rest is History" and "The Rest is Football" have garnered over 750 million listeners.
A Rapid Rise to the Top
Goalhanger, co-founded by former England footballer Gary Lineker, has experienced explosive growth, particularly following the coronavirus pandemic. The company’s portfolio includes a range of successful podcasts such as "The Rest is History," "The Rest is Entertainment" (hosted by Richard Osman and Marina Hyde), Lineker’s own "The Rest is Football," and "The Rest is Politics" with Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell.
Collectively, these podcasts boast more than 750 million listeners. Goalhanger has further bolstered its revenue through paid subscriptions, reaching 250,000 subscribers in January, which reportedly generate around £15m annually. The company, headquartered in London with a team of 80 employees, also hosts live events.
Strategic Investments and Expansion
Established in 2018 by Tony Pastor, Gary Lineker, and Jack Davenport, Goalhanger has seen significant strategic moves. Lineker retains a stake of at least 25% in the company. In a notable deal, Netflix agreed to broadcast "The Rest is Football," featuring Lineker alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, during the World Cup, a deal reportedly worth £14m.
Furthermore, Los Angeles-based investment firm The Chernin Group acquired a minority stake in Goalhanger, with partner Greg Bettinelli joining the business as a director. Goalhanger has also launched its own venture capital arm to invest in "creator-led media businesses," including stakes in Invisible Media and a partnership with Backyard Cricket.
The Sunday Times’ Fastest-Growing Companies
Goalhanger topped the latest Sunday Times list of the 100 quickest-growing private companies. The list highlighted other high-achievers, including board games maker Lucky Egg in second place with £16.3m in annual sales and a 298% growth rate, and legal claims service TGG in third with £210.5m in sales and 269% growth.
Across the top 100 companies, average annual sales growth stood at 108%, contributing to a combined £4bn in sales and employing a total of 13,700 people. The ranking also noted a geographical spread, with 45 companies based in London and others distributed across the UK. A record 33 businesses on the list featured female founders, co-founders, or chief executives.
