Gary Lineker, the iconic host of the BBC's *Match of the Day*, will step down at the end of the 2024-25 season after a successful 26-year tenure, continuing to host coverage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and leading BBC's FA Cup coverage. His departure reflects wider changes within the BBC amid financial challenges, sparking speculation on potential successors.
Gary Lineker is set to step down as the host of BBC's flagship football programme, 'Match of the Day,' concluding a remarkable 25-year tenure. Lineker, who has become synonymous with the show and is the BBC's highest-paid presenter, has signed an 18-month contract extension for other broadcasting roles, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The departure follows controversies regarding his social media comments that strained his relationship with the BBC, while speculation over his successor includes several prominent female presenters.