Gary Lineker is Leaving Match of the Day After 26 Years

Gary Lineker is saying goodbye to Match of the Day at the end of the season, wrapping up an amazing 26-year run with the iconic show!

November 12, 2024
2:13 pm

The BBC has announced that Gary Lineker, a staple of Match of the Day, will step down as host after this Premier League season, wrapping up an impressive 26-year run. But don’t worry, he’s not saying goodbye to the BBC just yet! He’ll still be in charge of the BBC’s World Cup and FA Cup coverage, and his contract has been extended through the 2026 World Cup.

Lineker is excited about this new chapter, saying, “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen.” BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski called him a “world-class presenter,” highlighting the huge impact Lineker has had on the show and the network.

On top of his TV gigs, Lineker will keep his spot on the MOTD Top Ten podcast, where he chats about top moments and players with other BBC sports personalities. Plus, the popular The Rest is Football podcast will now be available on BBC Sounds. This podcast features Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards, bringing fun discussions on football news, insights, and stories from their careers.

Even though Lineker wanted to keep hosting Match of the Day, the BBC decided not to offer him a new contract for the show, which stirred up mixed feelings. Former BBC director-general Greg Dyke praised Lineker as “the outstanding sports presenter of his time” but acknowledged that change is part of broadcasting. He pointed out the BBC’s financial challenges and recent job cuts, which might have played a role in this decision. Lineker, one of the network’s highest-paid presenters, will save the BBC some cash with his departure from Match of the Day.

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While he’s a fan favorite, Lineker has also faced some public controversy, including a suspension over social media comments that criticized UK policy. That incident led to a change in BBC social media guidelines, giving high-profile figures more freedom to share their views while keeping some boundaries around political campaigning. Lineker later called the updated policy “all very sensible.”

Lineker’s TV career followed an amazing run as a footballer. He started with Leicester City and went on to play for Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona, as well as for the England national team, where he was the top scorer in the 1986 World Cup. His expertise and laid-back style helped make Match of the Day a must-watch for millions of football fans on Saturday nights. Over his 26 years as host, Lineker saw Premier League football transform into a global sensation, and his commentary shaped how fans connected with the game.

Finding a replacement for Lineker on Match of the Day will be a tough task for the BBC. Media commentator Alastair Campbell pointed out that Lineker’s charm and knowledge make him a “very hard act to follow.” Still, Match of the Day continues to attract millions of viewers each week, and the BBC will share its plans for the show’s future soon.

With Lineker set to lead BBC Sport’s live coverage of the FA Cup and World Cup, fans can look forward to seeing him bring his expertise to major international events. For Match of the Day fans, Lineker’s farewell marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for one of football’s most respected voices.