Gary Lineker Match of the Day exit CONFIRMED: BBC announce host’s new contract will see him step down from flagship show as it ‘evolves’ and saves his new boss ‘millions’

Gary Lineker has quit Match of the Day after 26 years as host of the iconic football show, the BBC confirmed on Tuesday.

The Beeb announced the news with a statement confirming that Lineker, 63, has extended his contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup and will continue other responsibilities at the BBC, despite stepping down from football’s flagship programme.

Lineker’s departure will close the curtain on a long – and controversial – chapter for one of the country’s most popular sports shows.

The statement read: ‘The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.

‘Gary will lead coverage of the tournament as England look to once again win a first major trophy since 1966, the other home nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi looks to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.

The 63-year-old English legend was the BBC’s highest-paid presenter with a salary of £1.35 million

Lineker presents The Rest is Football podcast with Alan Shearer, left, and Micah Richards, centre

‘Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025-26 season, 35 years after lifting the trophy as a player.

‘After a quarter of a century, Gary will step down as host of Match of The Day at the end of this season. He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.”

The 63-year-old presenter, who was the BBC’s highest-paid presenter with a salary of £1.35million, began negotiations with the broadcaster’s new sports director, Alex Kay-Jelski, in October.

As part of the announcement, Lineker said: ‘I’m pleased to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank everyone who made this possible.’

Lineker’s relationship with Kay-Jelski has also been described by The Sun’s sources as ‘not particularly close’, with the new chief keen to cut spending and give the show a facelift.

Kay-Jelski added: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we are delighted he will lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.

‘After 25 seasons, Gary is saying goodbye to MOTD. We would like to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which attracts millions of viewers every week. He will be greatly missed on the show, but we are so pleased he will remain with the BBC to present live football.”

Despite retiring from Match of the Day from next season, Lineker will continue to present the BBC’s FA Cup coverage for 2025-2026, and front the 2026 World Cup broadcasts.

Mark Chapman (right) and Gabby Logan (left) were previously touted as among the favorites to succeed Lineker, while Micah Richards and Alex Scott are also in contention

The former Tottenham, Barcelona and Leicester footballer’s departure was effectively confirmed by his business partner Alastair Campbell, who claimed he would be a ‘very hard act to follow’.

Lineker has emerged in recent years by co-founding the production company Goalhanger, which produces his podcast The Rest is Football, along with other titles such as The Rest is History, The Rest is Entertainment and The Rest is Politics. The latter is co-organized by Campbell.

Lineker’s time as the face of Match of the Day has been divisive at times, with the presenter temporarily suspended last year for criticizing the government’s asylum policy in a controversially worded tweet.

He returned shortly after a walkout by his MOTD colleagues who showed solidarity with the former England striker, and the row even prompted the Beeb to review a new set of guidelines for its presenters and their use of social media and set up.

It has been difficult for the BBC to keep him in check as he co-hosts his popular podcast, The Rest Is Football, with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer.

Lineker’s recent years have been controversial due to his outspoken social media presence

During Euro 2024, he branded England’s performance against Denmark ‘s***’, prompting retaliation from Harry Kane, who responded to attacks from pundits who knew what it was like to ‘wear the shirt’.

That shocking tone landed him in hot water and is in stark contrast to the more controlled, cerebral style that Match of the Day upholds.

Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan were previously touted as the favorites to replace the former England striker.

Former Manchester City defender Richards and ex-Lionesses star Alex Scott are also considered front-runners to land the hosting role.