Gary Lineker Match of the Day exit marks end of an era for BBC show – so what next?
It was announced on Tuesday that Gary Lineker will be leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season after 25 years presenting the BBC's flagship football show
Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day. Reports that the former England captain would depart the BBC’s flagship football show at the end of the season emerged on Monday and were confirmed on Tuesday. The 63-year-old will present MOTD for the final time at the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.
Lineker is not leaving altogether. The former Leicester City, Barcelona, Everton and Tottenham striker has signed a new contract with the BBC which will see him lead coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, as well as next season’s FA Cup.
“The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup,” the Corporation said in a statement. “Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.”
For his part, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
Match of the Day, one of the BBC’s most iconic shows, was first broadcast back in 1964. Lineker has hosted the programme, which features highlights of the Premier League’s Saturday fixtures, since 1999.
In March last year, Lineker was suspended by the BBC after he made remarks about the Conservative government’s immigration policy, comparing the Tory policies to those used in Nazi Germany. Supported by colleagues and pundits, he was quickly reinstated after the BBC were unable to find a stand-in presenter and Match of the Day was broadcast without any of the usual commentary or post-match analysis.
Lineker recently spoke of cutting back on his workload, but there is no hint that this was his decision. And while the reasons for his MOTD exit have not been explained, it appears the BBC are looking to keep a tighter rein on their top talent after the events of last March.
If so, that is a shame because Lineker has consistently sought to use his platform to create debate and help those less fortunate. He also showed he is not just talk by taking two refugees into his own home. While not everyone will agree, the 63-year-old is a well-intentioned public figure who has utilised his voice to highlight key issues. If he is being censored, that is sad.
And what next for Match of the Day? Popular MOTD 2 presenter Mark Chapman is the favourite to take over from Lineker, but the BBC are also understood to be considering a rolling format with different hosts each week.
The show still has millions of viewers, but with highlights and goals available on YouTube straight after matches, Match of the Day may now have to reinvent itself in order to remain relevant for a new generation of football fans – especially after the impending departure of its much-loved and popular presenter.
Good stuff, Ben!! Keep up the nice work!