Gary Lineker steps down from hosting ‘Match of the Day’ after 25 years, focusing on new roles with the BBC.
- Lineker will continue hosting the FA Cup and lead coverage for the 2026 World Cup.
- The BBC’s announcement highlights Lineker’s new contract extension, despite his MOTD departure.
- Podcasts remain a significant part of Lineker’s work, including ‘MOTD Top Ten’ and ‘The Rest is Football.’
- Viewership of ‘Match of the Day’ remains high, with 33 million tuning in last season.
Gary Lineker, a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, has announced his departure from the BBC’s flagship programme, ‘Match of the Day,’ concluding an illustrious 25-year tenure. This decision comes as Lineker shifts focus to other prominent roles within the BBC’s sports programming.
In the BBC’s statement, it was confirmed that Lineker has agreed in principle to a contract extension that will see him continue his role within the corporation. He will be pivotal in leading the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, providing insights as England attempts to secure its first major football trophy since 1966. Alongside this, Lineker will host FA Cup broadcasts in the 2025/26 season, marking 35 years since he won the trophy as a player.
The announcement underscores Lineker’s ongoing relationship with the BBC, as he continues to contribute to its digital offerings through popular podcasts. He remains involved with the ‘MOTD Top Ten’ podcast and the recently introduced ‘The Rest is Football’ on BBC Sounds.
Expressing his sentiments, Lineker stated, “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.” This sentiment was echoed by Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, who described Lineker as a “world-class presenter” and expressed gratitude for his longstanding contributions to ‘Match of the Day.’
The programme’s iconic status remains intact, drawing an impressive 33 million viewers across Premier League and FA Cup matches last season. As Lineker steps down, the BBC assures that future plans for the programme will be announced “in due course,” emphasising the show’s enduring significance in the realm of sports broadcasting.
Gary Lineker remains a central figure in BBC’s sports coverage, despite leaving ‘Match of the Day.’
