Gary Lineker will step down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of this season, the BBC has announced.
The 63-year-old, who has fronted the flagship football programme for 25 years, will remain at the BBC after both parties agreed in principle to a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.
He will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025-26 season, continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host The Rest is Football podcast, featuring Lineker, on BBC Sounds.
The end of an era, after more than 25 years hosting Match of the Day.
Gary will continue to host the FA Cup and lead the BBC's 2026 World Cup coverage.#MOTD #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/VGU9QIuW80
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 12, 2024
Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and 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.”
