Gary Lineker, the longtime host of Match Of The Day, will be stepping down from his role at the end of the season, as confirmed by the BBC. Despite this, Lineker will continue to lead coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026. His departure from MOTD after 25 seasons marks the end of an era for the popular football highlights show.
Lineker expressed his gratitude for his long-standing relationship with BBC Sport and expressed his delight in continuing to work with the network. The director of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, praised Lineker as a world-class presenter and emphasized his importance in leading coverage of major football events. While Lineker will be missed on MOTD, his continued involvement in live football coverage is welcomed by the BBC.
In addition to his television work, Lineker is also known for his successful venture into podcasting. As the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, Lineker has produced several popular shows, including The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Entertainment. The company, established in 2014, has seen significant success, with over 380 million podcast downloads in the past year.
Lineker’s contributions to the BBC have not gone unnoticed, as he has been one of the network’s highest-paid stars in recent years. His work on various shows, including Match Of The Day and Sports Personality Of The Year, as well as coverage of major football tournaments, has solidified his status as a key figure in sports broadcasting. During the 2023-24 financial year, Lineker earned approximately £1.35m from the BBC.
As Lineker prepares to leave Match Of The Day, speculation arises regarding his successor. Former Tottenham Hotspur footballer Jermaine Jenas was once considered a natural choice, but his departure from the BBC in August has left the position open. Despite the uncertainty, Lineker’s impact on the world of football and broadcasting is undeniable, marking a significant transition for the beloved host.
With his legacy as a football legend and a respected presenter, Gary Lineker’s departure from Match Of The Day signals the end of an era. His continued involvement in football coverage and podcasting ensures that his influence will be felt for years to come, leaving a lasting impact on the world of sports broadcasting.
