Gary Lineker to Depart 'Match of the Day' After 25 Years
Gary Lineker is set to step down as the host of BBC’s flagship football programme, “Match of the Day,” at the end of the current season, concluding a remarkable 25-year tenure. Since taking over from Des Lynam in 1999, Lineker has become synonymous with the show, earning £1.35 million annually, making him the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
While Lineker will depart from “Match of the Day,” he has signed an 18-month contract extension that will allow him to continue his role in broadcasting coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico. He will also continue to host the FA Cup coverage in the 2025-26 season and maintain his connection with fans through his podcasts, including “MOTD Top Ten” and “The Rest is Football.”
Lineker’s departure comes after a period marked by controversies, particularly related to his outspoken views on social media, which led to an independent review of the BBC’s social media policies. His comments, including those drawing historical parallels with government rhetoric, sparked considerable debate and culminated in a significant public row that strained his relationship with the BBC.
As speculation mounts over potential successors, insiders suggest a focus on female presenters, with candidates such as Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates emerging as leading options. Despite his exit signifying the end of an era for one of sports broadcasting’s most recognisable figures, discussions surrounding his future endeavours point towards potential opportunities in the podcasting space post-BBC.
Gary Lineker: Presenter to stop hosting Match of the Day, BBC confirms
The BBC has agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup, with Lineker.
www.bbc.com
Gary Lineker to step down as Match of the Day presenter
Former England striker will relinquish role at the end of the 2024-25 season, but will stay at BBC until 2026
www.theguardian.com
Gary Lineker became the face of the BBC – but his exit shows everyone is replaceable
For better or worse, Lineker came to represent the BBC in the eyes of many and is a broadcasting titan but his departure was eventually inevitable
www.independent.co.uk
Gary Lineker to quit Match Of The Day at end of season - and will leave BBC
GARY Lineker is to quit the BBC after the 2026 World Cup, The Sun can reveal. The star will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season
www.thesun.co.uk
Gary Lineker: BBC Match of the Day host to leave at end of season
The broadcaster has hosted the corporation's flagship football show Match of the Day since 1999.
www.bbc.co.uk
How BBC fell out of love with Gary Lineker after Nazi Germany social media posts and mass walkout
As Match of the Day presenter became more outspoken, it put him in the crosshairs of his employers and made an exit inevitable
www.telegraph.co.uk
Revealed: The favourites to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day
Lineker is set to leave the quit the iconic BBC show at the end of the season after 26 years in the driving seat.
www.dailymail.co.uk
Gary Lineker to leave BBC's Match Of The Day at the end of the current football season
The presenter will stay at the BBC until the end of the next World Cup in 2026, and may stay on after that to work on podcasts, Sky News understands.
news.sky.com
Gary Lineker Match of the Day: BBC presenter to leave show at end of season
Watch highlights from EVERY Premier League match on Sky Sports digital platforms shortly after full time; It is understood Lineker will stay at the BB
www.skysports.com
BBC ‘agree podcast deal’ with Gary Lineker as MOTD exit announced - live
Lineker is stepping down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season after 25 years at the helm before leaving the BBC entirely in 2026
www.independent.co.uk