November 12 – The BBC has announced that Gary Lineker will step down as host of Match of the Day at the end of this season. However, he will continue to lead BBC Sport’s coverage of major tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2025/26 FA Cup.
Lineker will also continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast while his The Rest Is Football podcast, which features BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will now be hosted on BBC Sounds.
“The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup,” the BBC said, while confirming his Match of the Day tenure was ending.
Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
The former England striker was reportedly open to staying on at Match of the Day, but the BBC did not offer him a new contract for the show.
“With 33 million viewers last season across the Premier League and FA Cup, Match of the Day remains part of the staple diet of football fans who still get a huge buzz from hearing that iconic theme tune on a Saturday night,” the BBC said.
“The show continually evolves for changing viewing habits bringing its unique and unmatched analysis and commentary across all platforms. Future plans for Match of the Day will be announced in due course.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.”
Lineker has been the BBC’s highest-paid star in recent years for his work on shows including Match Of The Day and Sports Personality Of The Year, as well as coverage of major tournaments including World Cups and European Championships.
He received about £1.35 million during the 2023-24 financial year, according to the BBC’s most recent figures.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734802861labto1734802861ofdlr1734802861owedi1734802861sni@g1734802861niwe.1734802861yrrah1734802861