Gary Lineker ends 25-year run as face of BBC’s iconic MOTD

November 12 – The BBC has introduced that Gary Lineker will step down as host of Match of the Day on the finish of this season. Nonetheless, he’ll proceed to steer BBC Sport’s protection of main tournaments, together with the 2026 World Cup and the 2025/26 FA Cup.

Lineker will even proceed with the MOTD Prime Ten podcast whereas his The Relaxation Is Soccer podcast, which options BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will now be hosted on BBC Sounds.

“The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in precept a contract extension via to the 2026 World Cup,” the BBC stated, whereas confirming his Match of the Day tenure was ending.

Lineker stated: “I’m delighted to proceed my lengthy affiliation with BBC Sport and wish to thank all those that made this occur.”

The previous England striker was reportedly open to staying on at Match of the Day, however the BBC didn’t provide him a brand new contract for the present.

“With 33 million viewers final season throughout the Premier League and FA Cup, Match of the Day stays a part of the staple eating regimen of soccer followers who nonetheless get an enormous buzz from listening to that iconic theme tune on a Saturday evening,” the BBC stated.

“The present regularly evolves for altering viewing habits bringing its distinctive and unmatched evaluation and commentary throughout all platforms. Future plans for Match of the Day will probably be introduced in the end.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, stated: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our protection of the following World Cup and proceed to steer our stay protection of the FA Cup.

“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We need to thank him for every part he has achieved for the present, which continues to draw thousands and thousands of viewers every week.”

Lineker has been the BBC’s highest-paid star in recent times for his work on reveals together with Match Of The Day and Sports activities Persona Of The Yr, in addition to protection of main tournaments together with World Cups and European Championships.

He obtained about £1.35 million in the course of the 2023-24 monetary 12 months, in response to the BBC’s most up-to-date figures.

Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1731445352labto1731445352ofdlr1731445352owedi1731445352sni@g1731445352niwe.1731445352yrrah1731445352