In brief
Gary Lineker, the renowned sports personality and former England soccer captain, will end his long-standing association with BBC’s “Match of the Day” after the present Premier League season. Though he exits the show, his BBC engagement will persist through other significant sporting events, including the upcoming World Cup.
After an illustrious tenure spanning 26 years, Gary Lineker will step down as host of the BBC's famed soccer highlights show "Match of the Day." This news was announced on Tuesday by Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, who praised the show as “a national gem” beloved by millions. Lineker first took to the helm of the program in 1999 and has since become synonymous with British football broadcasting.Despite his departure from “Match of the Day,” Lineker will still contribute to BBC sports coverage. He is set to report on the 2026 World Cup, as well as the F.A. Cup for the 2025-2026 season. This transition marks a significant shift for the show, which has been airing since 1964. Over the years, Lineker has not only hosted this flagship program but has also explored other avenues in broadcasting, collaborating with networks outside the UK and venturing into podcasting with his company, Goalhanger.A celebrated figure in football, Lineker’s playing career peaked in the 1980s when he served as the top striker for several clubs and the England national team. He remains the only English player to achieve the distinction of being the leading scorer for Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton. Although he retired from professional football in 1994, he swiftly transitioned into a prominent media career.Lineker's outspoken nature has sometimes put him in contentious situations. He faced a temporary suspension from the BBC in 2023 due to comments he made on social media regarding the UK government's immigration policy. Following a public outcry, he was reinstated shortly after. Addressing his imminent departure, Kay-Jelski emphasized that this decision was unrelated to past controversies, confirming the BBC's eagerness to keep working with Lineker in other capacities.Lineker expressed gratitude in a statement, reaffirming his commitment to BBC Sports and excitement for future collaborations.
