Check out: Ian Wright's whopping earnings revealed as he becomes UK's highest-paid football pundit amid Eni Aluko row

Ian Wright has become the UK’s highest-paid football pundit, raking in an estimated profit of nearly £2.2 million ($2.95 million) over the past financial year, amid a public fallout with fellow broadcaster Eni Aluko.

Newly released accounts for Ian Wright’s company, Elanar Ltd, reveal a record-breaking financial year ending July 2024. The 61-year-old former Arsenal and England striker paid £549,000($735,000) in corporation tax , indicating profits of around £2.19 million. ($2.95 million) His firm now holds more than £1 million($1.34 million) in the bank.
This puts Wright ahead of long-time friend Gary Lineker, who earned £1.35 million ($1.81 million) from the BBC for hosting Match of the Day.
Alongside his work as a football pundit on ITV, Wright’s earnings have been boosted by advertising campaigns with major brands like Marks & Spencer and adidas. A TV industry insider told The Sun:
“These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains, both with the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”

Wright’s rising profile has coincided with a high-profile spat with former England international Eni Aluko. During a BBC Radio 4 appearance, Aluko suggested that Wright, though unintentionally , may be blocking opportunities for women in football media.
The comments triggered strong backlash. Aluko later apologised, stating:
“It was wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I've known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”
But Wright did not accept the apology, sharing on Instagram:
“I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said. She knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly... I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it. But I also want to move on.”

The backlash prompted Aluko to step down as co-host of the 2025 Women’s Football Awards. In a statement, she said:
“I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting lineup this year. I don’t want anything to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about.”
Her name and image were subsequently removed from promotional material for the event. ITV, which employs both Wright and Aluko, publicly backed Wright, describing him as:
“An incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”

Ian Wright has a long-standing reputation for supporting the women’s game. One widely praised example was his personal help to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald. After McDonald’s club declined to fund her ACL surgery, Wright hired a sports lawyer and later paid for her rehabilitation, a cost McDonald said reached £1,700 ($2,280) per month.
Read more : Did Eni Aluko cross the line by targeting IanWright?