Gary Lineker states ‘right time’ for Match of the Day departure

Gary Lineker has stated that he believes it is “the right time” for a different presenter to assume the hosting role for Match of the Day, particularly as the BBC intends to present the football program “slightly differently” going forward. This announcement follows Lineker’s declaration earlier in the week that he will depart from the program at the conclusion of the current season, having served as its host for 25 years. A new four-year agreement granting the BBC rights to broadcast Premier League highlights is set to commence next season. Regarding his choice, Lineker commented, “I feel this is now the right time.” He elaborated, “I think [with] the next [highlights] 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.” Following his departure from Match of the Day, Lineker will remain with the BBC, leading the coverage for the upcoming FA Cup season and the 2026 men’s World Cup. On his podcast, The Rest Is Football, he described this week’s announcement as “basically news of an extra year contract” for his continued work at the BBC. He stated, “I always thought my next thing would be the end. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve done Match of Day for 25 years. It’s been an absolute joy and a privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC.” He concluded this thought by saying, “But all things have to come to an end.” He further indicated that the commencement of the new rights agreement presents a suitable moment for a transition at Match of the Day. Explaining his timing, he said, “The [rights] cycle starts from next season, so it felt like if I just do one more year would a bit weird.” He continued, “So I think to get a different presenter in place would be probably wise not just for me, but certainly for the BBC as well.” He also expressed, “But I really wanted to finish on a major tournament [and] do the FA Cup as well. So you’ve not quite got rid of me just yet.” In a conversation with co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, he mentioned that he will be 65 years old when his tenure with the BBC concludes, adding, “So it’s pension time.” He extended his gratitude to viewers for the messages he had received and observed the publication of “so many kind” articles. He remarked, “It did feel like I’d died and I was seeing my obituaries early. But it’s nice. It’s been lovely. And everywhere I go, people are saying lovely things.” He drew a parallel to his football career, stating, “It’s a bit like in football – Alan and myself, with England, you bowed out when you thought it was the right time, I bowed out of my football career when I felt it was the right time. And I feel this is now the right time.” The former England striker quipped, “During my football career, I felt I was born to be in the box. And then I had to really learn to be on the box. And to be honest, at my age, it won’t be long until I’m in a box.” He mentioned that he anticipates becoming “probably get a little bit emotional towards the end” of his BBC career, but currently feels “quite calm at the moment”. He further commented, “It’s been a bit bonkers and a bit mad,” adding, “But I didn’t think it would be quite the big deal that it was because it’s just a guy that’s done a TV show for a long time. It’s nothing more than that really.” The individual who will succeed Lineker on Match of the Day has not yet been disclosed, and he stated he would “never tell publicly my preference” for the new host. He offered advice to his eventual replacement, saying, “But whoever it is, I would say, be yourself… Just be yourself and and enjoy it. It’s a wonderful programme to be part of.” He continued, “It was brilliant before I took over and it will be brilliant after I leave. So I would just say that, really – enjoy it, live it, and be yourself.” Lineker expressed anticipation for earlier bedtimes on Saturday evenings. He elaborated, “I’ll go out for dinner, and you know what? I might be in bed before midnight. I’ll still watch Match of the Day, but I’ll be in bed straight after it, rather than the three-hour journey home.” Concluding his thoughts, he stated, “So yeah, I look back and it’s been an amazing experience, and I feel incredibly fortunate.”