Former Manchester City star Micah Richards earns a huge salary from the BBC for Match of the Day
Since hanging up his boots in 2019, Micah Richards has emerged as one of football's most beloved pundits. Whether co-hosting The Rest Is Football podcast or appearing on CBS Sports' hugely successful Champions League coverage, Richards has established himself as essential talent for major broadcasters.
Beyond offering expertise from someone who competed at the highest level, Richards brings tremendous personality and adds a distinctive flavour to any programme he's involved with. His contagious laughter and playful banter have endeared him to British football supporters through his presenting approach.
During his playing days, Richards progressed through Manchester City's youth system and, in his own words: "Burst onto the scene". He remained at City for a decade, with a brief loan spell at Fiorentina before making a permanent switch to Aston Villa in 2015.
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Though he spent four years at Villa, Richards' playing time was severely restricted by an ongoing knee problem that would eventually force him into retirement in 2019. By the time he called time on his career, he hadn't featured for the club since October 2016. Yet, a thriving television career awaited the 13-cap England international.
Last December, Richards took on a new challenge as manager of Warley FC - after the club was crowned Specsavers' Best Worst Team. The partnership is being captured in a 12-part YouTube series.
After nearly ten years in the public eye, Mirror Football examines Richards' career accomplishments, private life and substantial BBC earnings.
Substantial BBC salary and net worth
Through his Match of the Day commitments, Richards earns approximately £200,000 annually from the BBC. This figure doesn't include his income from CBS or Sky, meaning the former right-back secures a considerable combined salary for his broadcasting work.
During his playing days, Richards was already commanding impressive weekly wages. However, he's famously discussed his City contract negotiations before his Villa move - a decision he now regrets.
He said: "At 17 years old, I earned £5k-a-week. Manchester City offered me £100k-a-week for 5 years. I said no because I was number two to Zabaleta. It's the worst decision l've ever made. Why do you think I work for every broadcaster? I went to Aston Villa, that was less money.
"But then we got relegated in the first season, so my wages halved. So l've gone from a £100,000-a-week offer to like £25,000 in the Championship."
Richards has also been candid about his expenditure, spending £200 on haircuts. He's also invested £3m in a property, further demonstrating his wealth, which FootballFanCast estimates at around £37m.
Richards' pay packet looks set for a substantial increase following Netflix's acquisition of The Rest Is Football for this year's World Cup coverage. The reported deal is worth ten times Gary Lineker's BBC salary, suggesting Richards stands to earn handsomely from his involvement.
Private romantic affairs
Richards maintains a tight lid on his personal affairs, with current reports suggesting he's not in a relationship. His Instagram account predominantly showcases his professional endeavours and global travels with work companions.
Speculation previously surfaced linking him to ex-Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan, who was formerly with Scott Sinclair, though she swiftly quashed the rumours herself. "I've never even met him. I just don't know how this rumour has started," she clarified.
Talented youngster
Whilst Richards may not have a significant other at present, he is father to an eight-year-old son. He's discussed his child on The Rest Is Football alongside Lineker and Alan Shearer, touching on the boy's football ambitions and the juggling act between parenthood and his media commitments.
"He's seven. He's started playing and he scored eight goals the other day just for a local team. He's actually very good," Richards said a year ago. "The problem with me is I don't get to see him play all the time because I work Saturdays and the games are Saturday mornings. If I've got to get to a Match of the Day, I can only watch the first half.
"I just put my hood up on the sideline. I don't shout anything, encourage anything. I just let him breathe. Let him enjoy the game. That's what I do."