The Rest Is Football – Hosts, Episodes, Where to Listen

The Rest Is Football has emerged as one of the UK’s most-listened-to football podcasts since its launch in August 2023. Hosted by three former Premier League professionals, the show combines match analysis, transfer gossip, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes in a format that has attracted millions of listeners worldwide. With Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards at the helm, the podcast offers perspectives spanning multiple eras of English football.

Produced by Goalhanger Podcasts, the show delivers three episodes weekly during the football season, covering Premier League action, international tournaments, and the stories that matter most to fans. Its blend of expert insight and relaxed banter has earned it a dedicated following and consistently strong chart positions across podcast platforms.

What Is The Rest Is Football and What Makes It Stand Out?

The Rest Is Football is a weekly football podcast that launched on August 7, 2023, ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season. Produced by Goalhanger Podcasts under the ownership of Gary Lineker, the show distinguishes itself through the unique combination of hosts who bring decades of top-flight playing experience to each episode. The chemistry between Lineker, Shearer, and Richards has drawn consistent praise from listeners, with the Apple Podcasts rating standing at 4.8 out of 5 based on 326 reviews.

Key Insights About the Podcast

• The show releases three episodes per week during the football season, typically covering matchday results, transfer developments, and VAR controversies
• Goalhanger Podcasts, which operates The Rest Is Football, averages 17 million monthly downloads across its portfolio of shows
• The podcast ranked number one in some Apple Podcasts charts following its launch and has maintained strong chart positions
• YouTube videos from the show, including VAR and FPL Q&A content, have attracted between 75,000 and 76,000 views recently
• The audience primarily consists of UK football fans interested in Premier League coverage and fantasy football
• Multi-generational appeal stems from the hosts’ playing careers spanning from the late 1970s to 2019
• Recent reviews describe the show as having “brilliant chemistry” and providing “proper laughs” alongside essential coverage

Snapshot: Key Facts About The Rest Is Football

Who Are the Hosts of The Rest Is Football?

The three hosts of The Rest Is Football each enjoyed distinguished playing careers in the Premier League, lending the show an authenticity that casual fan podcasts often lack. Gary Lineker, who played from 1978 to 1994, is England’s all-time leading goalscorer with 48 goals in 80 caps. His media career since retirement has included long-standing roles as a presenter and pundit. Alan Shearer, active between 1988 and 2006, remains the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals. Micah Richards, whose career ran from 2005 to 2019, brings a more recent perspective as a physical defender who played in the modern era of the game.

The Chemistry That Drives the Show

Listener feedback consistently highlights the natural chemistry between the three hosts as a key draw of the podcast. The trailer episode, released as Season 1 Episode 1, offers glimpses into the hosts’ personalities, with Lineker discussing his attempts to hide from fitness tests during his playing days, Richards recounting holidays in Ayia Napa, and Shearer sharing stories about driving Harry Kane during England duty. This banter-style approach, balanced with genuine football insight, distinguishes the show from more formal analysis offerings.

Behind the Production

The podcast is produced by Paul King and Harry Lineker, Gary’s son, with executive production handled by Tony Pastor and Jack Davenport. The show operates under Goalhanger Podcasts, a production company that Lineker owns and which has established itself as a significant player in UK podcasting. Goalhanger averages 17 million monthly downloads across its shows, with The Rest Is Football representing one of its flagship products alongside other popular titles.

Where Can You Listen to The Rest Is Football?

The Rest Is Football is available across all major podcast platforms, making it accessible to listeners regardless of their preferred listening method. Apple Podcasts hosts the show with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 326 reviews, while Spotify provides another primary route for subscribers. YouTube hosts the @therestISFootball channel, where video episodes and supplementary content such as Q&A sessions attract substantial viewership—recent uploads on VAR, Erling Haaland, and Fantasy Premier League have reached between 75,000 and 76,000 views.

The official Goalhanger website at www.goalhanger.com serves as a central hub for the network’s podcasts, though no dedicated standalone website for The Rest Is Football has been established. The show maintains social media presence under the handle @RestIsFootball, and listeners can reach the production team via therestisfootball@gmail.com.

Platform Comparison and Accessibility

• Apple Podcasts: Primary platform with strong ratings and historical chart positions
• Spotify: Major streaming platform providing wide accessibility
• YouTube: Video episodes and supplementary Q&A content available
• Goalhanger website: Network hub hosting all Goalhanger productions

How Popular Is The Rest Is Football?

The Rest Is Football has established itself among the world’s most-streamed football podcasts since its launch. With 7 million monthly streams worldwide, the show significantly outpaces typical competitors in the sports podcast space. To provide context, the podcast achieves broad appeal comparable to how the Joe Rogan Experience dominates Spotify’s general podcast rankings, though The Rest Is Football maintains a football-specific focus.

The show’s audience primarily consists of UK football fans with particular interest in Premier League coverage, fantasy football, and international tournaments including the World Cup. The multi-generational appeal created by the hosts’ different playing eras means the podcast attracts listeners from various age groups who followed football during different decades. Fantasy football enthusiasts can join communities like the Players Lounge club mentioned in promotional materials.

Ratings and Listener Reception

Apple Podcasts reviews paint a clear picture of listener satisfaction. The show holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 326 reviews, with recurring themes in positive feedback highlighting the “brilliant chemistry” between hosts, the entertainment value described as “proper laughs,” and the essential nature of the coverage for football fans. These reviews suggest the show successfully balances analytical content with accessible entertainment—a combination that has driven its commercial success.

What’s Coming Next for The Rest Is Football?

The podcast has announced significant expansion plans for 2026, signalling ambitions beyond its already successful audio format. The most notable development is a partnership with Netflix to produce a daily television show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The show will be filmed in New York and will feature analysis, interviews, and guest appearances alongside the hosts’ signature style of commentary.

Upcoming Live Event

Prior to the World Cup television project, The Rest Is Football will stage its first live event. “Bursting Onto the Stage” is scheduled for September 4, 2026, at the Southbank Centre, marking the podcast’s debut in a live performance format. This event represents a natural progression for a show that has built its reputation on the hosts’ public personalities and engaging discussion style.

Timeline: Key Milestones Since Launch

Since its debut, The Rest Is Football has marked several significant milestones that reflect its rapid growth and expanding reach.

1. August 7, 2023: Official launch with trailer episode released ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season
2. 2023-2024 season: Rapid audience growth, establishing strong chart positions on Apple Podcasts
3. By April 2026: Production of over 100 episodes at a rate of three per week during football season
4. 2026 FIFA World Cup: Netflix partnership announced for daily television show during the tournament
5. September 4, 2026: First live stage show “Bursting Onto the Stage” scheduled at Southbank Centre

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

While The Rest Is Football has generated significant attention, available sources provide clear information on some aspects while leaving other details less certain.

How Does The Rest Is Football Compare to Other Football Podcasts?

The Rest Is Football occupies a distinctive position within the football podcast landscape. Unlike casual fan podcasts that offer informal opinions, the show provides analysis from former professionals who played at the highest levels of the game. This expert perspective, combined with entertainment value, creates a proposition that outpaces many competitors in terms of monthly streams.

In terms of commercial performance, The Rest Is Football’s 7 million monthly streams place it alongside high-charting sports podcasts that dominate their categories. The show’s approach—structured analysis delivered through friendly banter—resonates with audiences seeking both entertainment and genuine insight. Goalhanger’s status as a network with multiple UK top shows enhances the podcast’s credibility and cross-promotional opportunities.

The Value of Professional Insight

The hosts’ combined experience—spanning over 40 years of Premier League football—provides a depth of knowledge that casual fan podcasts cannot replicate. Their perspectives on topics like VAR decisions, transfer dealings, and tournament coverage benefit from first-hand experience of professional football’s pressures and dynamics. This authenticity appears central to the show’s appeal and sustained performance in podcast charts.

What Sources Support This Information?

The facts presented in this article draw from multiple verifiable sources, including podcast industry publications and official platform listings.

“Gary Lineker’s The Rest Is Football podcast is coming to Netflix as a daily TV show for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

— What’s On Netflix

“7 million monthly streams worldwide; Goalhanger averages 17 million monthly downloads across shows.”

— Podnews

Additional sources include Apple Podcasts listings with user reviews and ratings, the official Southbank Centre event page, YouTube channel statistics, and Goalhanger Podcast network information. The consistency across sources regarding key facts—launch date, hosts, streaming numbers, and upcoming projects—provides confidence in the accuracy of the core information presented.

Summary: Is The Rest Is Football Worth Your Time?

The Rest Is Football has established itself as a leading football podcast through its combination of professional insight, engaging personalities, and consistent production quality. With three former Premier League stars hosting and a production team backed by substantial industry experience, the show delivers analysis that appeals to dedicated football fans seeking more than casual commentary. The 4.8 Apple rating and millions of monthly streams provide objective evidence of listener satisfaction.

For UK football fans interested in Premier League coverage, transfer news, and tournament analysis delivered with both expertise and entertainment, The Rest Is Football represents a strong choice. Upcoming projects including the Netflix World Cup show and Southbank Centre live event suggest the podcast continues expanding its footprint beyond audio format. For those seeking related coverage, Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund Lineups – Confirmed XIs, Injuries and Birmingham City FC News – Championship Update, Fixtures and Transfers offer additional football content.

Frequently Asked Questions