Gary Lineker revealed he has no idea who will be the next host of Match of the Day. The 63-year-old will not be hosting the Premier League highlights programme for the BBC after this season.
Lineker will still front the coverage for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but will not present the show he has anchored since replacing Des Lynam in 1999. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona forward was believed to be earning around £1.35 million per year.
Various reports understand Lineker was open to extending his deal as the host of the show but BBC bosses opted against such a move. Soon after the news was officially confirmed, Lineker opened up about his feelings towards leaving the show he has anchored for over 25 years.
While speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end. It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird.
“I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time. I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
Despite playing such a crucial role in the show’s long-running success, Lineker said he does not know, nor have a say on who will be replacing him. He added: “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference, I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.
“I had to fill the ginormous shoes of certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it, it’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave.”
Confirming his imminent departure earlier this week, a statement from the BBC said: “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 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.”
Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski also added: “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. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Jason Mohammad are four names who are believed to be in the mix to replace him.
