MOTD Departure:: Lineker will step down as MOTD host in May 2025 after joining in 1999.
Replacement Hosts:: Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will take over presenting duties from next season.
Continued BBC Role:: He will continue to present FA Cup coverage and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC, after which his contract ends.
Future Plans:: Lineker intends to focus on his successful podcasting company, Goalhanger Podcasts, enjoy weekends off, and travel, stating "television's done" for regular gigs.
Loyalty to BBC:: Despite talks with Sky Sports over the years, Lineker remained loyal to the BBC, citing its wider audience and his personal loyalty.
Podcast Success:: His company, Goalhanger Podcasts (co-hosting 'The Rest is Football'), reported a £1.4 million profit last year.
Leicester City Situation:: Lineker acknowledged the likely relegation of his former club Leicester City but dismissed the idea of hosting a Championship MOTD.
Why this matters:: This marks the end of a significant era for one of UK television's most recognisable football presenters and a major shift for the flagship MOTD programme. Lineker's move also highlights the growing influence and financial viability of podcasting.
Gary Lineker's departure from Match of the Day signifies a major transition for the long-running BBC programme. Having succeeded Des Lynam in 1999, Lineker became synonymous with Saturday night football highlights for millions of viewers across the UK.
His decision, announced in November last year, comes as his BBC contract nears its end following the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. While he won't be hosting MOTD weekly, his presence will still be felt on BBC Sport during FA Cup matches and the next World Cup.
Addressing his future on 'The Rest is Football' podcast, Lineker expressed excitement about having weekends free for the first time in his adult life, planning trips and dinners. He downplayed speculation about joining another network regularly, despite confirming past discussions with Sky Sports. "I could have earned a lot more... but I just loved being with the BBC," he explained to FourFourTwo, emphasizing the broadcaster's reach and his personal loyalty.
The move allows Lineker to dedicate more time to Goalhanger Podcasts, the company he founded in 2019. With popular shows like 'The Rest is Politics' and 'The Rest is Football' (co-hosted with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards), the venture is thriving, netting a reported £1.4 million profit last year.
Coinciding with his MOTD exit is the potential relegation of his beloved Leicester City, a prospect Lineker described as having "a degree of inevitability." When asked about a hypothetical Championship MOTD, he stated the BBC lacked the rights and firmly added, "no thanks."
Why is Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day?
Lineker is stepping down as the main host after 26 years to pursue other interests, including his podcasting company and personal travel, as his BBC contract concludes after the 2026 World Cup.
Who will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day?
A trio of presenters – Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan – will jointly host the show from the next season.
Will Gary Lineker stop working for the BBC completely?
Not immediately. He will continue to present live FA Cup matches and the 2026 World Cup coverage for the BBC.
Did Gary Lineker consider moving to Sky Sports?
Lineker confirmed he had talks with Sky Sports at various points but chose to remain loyal to the BBC.
What are Gary Lineker's plans after leaving the BBC?
He plans to focus on his podcast company, Goalhanger Podcasts, enjoy more personal time including weekends off, and potentially do occasional TV work, but doesn't intend to take another regular presenting role.
Match of the Day viewers can expect a new presenting style with Cates, Chapman, and Logan taking over.
Lineker remains a prominent voice in football through his popular podcast 'The Rest is Football'.
The decision reflects a potential shift where established broadcasters leverage their profile in newer media like podcasting.
Fans can still catch Lineker presenting major football events like the FA Cup and the World Cup on the BBC until his contract ends.
This marks a significant change for Match of the Day. Do you think the new presenting team will maintain the show's popularity? Let us know your thoughts!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Bafana Bafana, South Africa's national football team, is making a historic return to the FIFA World Cup, their first qualification on merit...
The 2026 Champions League final in Budapest's Puskás Aréna saw Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal battle for the title. After a 1-1 draw,...
Arsenal faces Paris Saint-Germain in the 2026 Champions League final, marking only their second final appearance in their 140-year history. ...
Tensions flared in Budapest as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans clashed in the Király Street area, hours before the Champions Leag...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer