Gary Lineker, the beloved face of BBC’s Match of the Day, has confirmed that he will be stepping down from his role as the host of the iconic football highlights show.
After nearly three decades at the helm, the former England international has decided it’s time for both himself and the programme to move on. His departure marks the end of an era for Match of the Day, where Lineker became the trusted voice for millions of football fans in the UK and beyond.
Lineker, 63, shared his reasons for leaving the show during an appearance on the Rest is Football podcast. Reflecting on his long-standing career with the BBC, he explained that the timing felt right for him to step away. “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end,” Lineker said. He went on to describe how the new contract cycle for Match of the Day would start next season, and how continuing for just one more year would feel “a bit weird.”
The decision to leave comes after years of successful broadcasting. Lineker replaced Des Lynam as the host of Match of the Day in 1999, and over the years, he has become synonymous with the programme. Lineker explained that just as he knew when to retire from playing football, he now feels the same about his broadcasting career. “I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time,” he said.
While many fans may be wondering who will take over from Lineker, the presenter himself admitted that he was in the dark about who his replacement might be. “Obviously, I don’t know who it’ll be,” Lineker confessed. “I would never tell publicly my preference, I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do.” However, he did offer some advice for whoever takes the role next: “Be yourself. I had to fill the ginormous shoes of Des Lynam, and I would say just enjoy it. It’s a wonderful programme to be a part of.”
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As for potential successors, there has been much speculation in the media about who could replace Lineker. Among the names mentioned are Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott, all of whom are well-respected figures within football broadcasting. Jason Mohammad has also been linked with the role, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Whoever does take on the role will be stepping into some very large shoes, and Lineker’s departure has sparked a wave of nostalgia for many fans.
In a touching tribute to Lineker, former Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards expressed how much the veteran presenter would be missed. Richards, who often engaged in light-hearted banter with Lineker during his time on the show, said, “You’ve been in the game for 25 years at the highest level. People don’t do that, and you’ve done that for 25 years.” He added, “It is a sad day for people who have watched you over the years because you are a great of broadcasting.”
The BBC’s decision to part ways with Lineker has raised questions, with some speculating that cost-cutting measures could be behind it. The broadcaster is reportedly looking to save £700 million annually, and Lineker’s annual salary of £1.35 million made him one of the highest-paid broadcasters at the BBC. This financial pressure may have played a role in the broadcaster’s refusal to offer him a new contract.
Lineker’s departure will undoubtedly leave a gap in football broadcasting, particularly for fans who have grown up watching him anchor Match of the Day. His calm, knowledgeable, and at times witty approach to presenting football highlights became a hallmark of the programme, making him one of the most trusted figures in UK sport. As for the future of Match of the Day, fans will be hoping the next host can continue to uphold the high standards set by Lineker over the years.
Despite the change, Lineker’s association with the BBC will not end entirely. He has confirmed that he will continue to work with the broadcaster, particularly during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Lineker’s passion for football and broadcasting remains evident, and it seems he will continue to have a significant presence in the footballing world, just not in the same role that made him a household name.
With Lineker’s exit, the BBC now faces the challenge of finding a new presenter who can command the same level of respect and affection from the audience. Whether they choose a familiar face or someone new, it will be difficult to replicate the magic that Lineker brought to Match of the Day week after week.
In the coming months, the BBC will likely continue to assess its options as it looks to fill one of the most high-profile jobs in British sports broadcasting. Whoever takes over, they will have some big shoes to fill, and Lineker’s departure will certainly mark the end of an era for the programme.
While it’s clear Lineker’s exit is bittersweet, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most respected figures in sports journalism. His contributions to both the world of football and broadcasting will not be forgotten, and his next chapter promises to be just as impactful.