Match of the Day will lose Gary Lineker in 2025. (BBC photos)
Gary Lineker will leave the BBC’s iconic Match of the Day show at the end of the season after 26 years hosting football’s biggest show.
The The former Everton striker has hosted MOTD since 1999 and has become one of the UK’s best-loved figures after being the face of the BBC’s football coverage for more than two decades.
According to the Daily MailLineker’s time as host of the MOTD will end when the 2024/25 campaign ends.
The 63-year-old player will also put an end to his time with the BBC completely after presenting the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada, as well as the 2025/26 edition of the FA Cup This will be a major change for the broadcaster as there is a generation of football fans who are unfamiliar with their coverage without the former Tottenham star.
Lineker is the BBC’s highest-paid presenter on a salary of around £1.35m and his departure will free up those funds to spend on production.
This news follows the departure of another key MOTD figure at the end of last season, as Ian Wright ended his time as pundit on the football highlights programme. Both men’s exits could have a huge impact on the show and it will be interesting to see if it affects the viewing figures.
Who will replace Gary Lineker as match of the day presenter?
Who follows Lineker has the host of Match of the Day so big to fill as this person could define the show for the next decade.
According to the Daily Mail, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan they are considered the favorites to replace the first England forward, with the first receiver a bright backrest by Henry Winter.
“Mark Chapman is the best successor to Gary Lineker as MOTD host emho Good journalist and presenter + relationship with the experts”, said the journalist.
The 51-year-old already hosts Match of the Day 2 after Sunday’s Premier League games and it seems a natural step for the presenter to step up to the main show on a Saturday night. Although Logan presents tough competition having been given the role of hosting the BBC’s new Champions League highlights programme.
