Why is Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day and who is replacing him?

Gary Lineker was emotional hosting his final Match of the Day at the weekend (Picture: PA/BBC/Getty)

Gary Lineker has signed off from his hosting duties on Match of the Day. 

The 64-year-old bade viewers farewell in an emotional last goodbye, which saw the veteran presenter choked up at points as he sat alongside BBC colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

The ex-England striker wiped away tears as the show came to an end, after a montage of messages from Richards and Shearer, as well as Ian Wright, Alan Hansen, Paul Gascoigne, Pep Guardiola, and Claudio Ranieri.

‘It wasn’t meant to end this way,’ he said at the show’s opening, then adding: ‘But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.’

Lineker did not address the reason for his exit, instead taking a moment to thank those who have worked on the BBC’s top sports programme alongside him and wish his replacements luck in the new job. 

‘Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work and I got the plaudits’, he said. ‘It’s been utterly joyous.’

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Previous Page Next Page Lineker hosted alongside fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards (Picture: Match of the Day/BBC/PA Wire) He fronted his final show this evening, opening by saying it ‘wasn’t meant to end this way’ (Picture: BBC)

He finally signed off: ‘It has been so special and I am sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye. Goodbye.’

Why is Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day?

Lineker confirmed his exit from the BBC earlier this month after he shared a post to his Instagram story from the Palestine Lobby group titled ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’.

The repost included an illustration of a rat, which has historically been used as an antisemitic representation of Jewish people, most notably in Nazi Germany propaganda.

Lineker later ‘apologised unreservedly’ and swiftly deleted the post, saying he was unaware of the reference and posting it had been a mistake. 

He described his time on the show as a ‘privilege’ (Picture: BBC)

He continued: ‘Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.

‘I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.’

Gary Lineker's history on Match of the Day Gary Lineker’s first venture on Match of the Day was as an analyst. Lineker stepped up to become the main presenter in 1999, replacing Des Lynam Lineker has remained the host of the show ever since, with his 25-year reign making him the longest presenter in Match of the Day’s history. Lineker’s time wasn’t without controversy: in March 2023 he stepped back from presenting following his criticism of the government’s immigration policy. His colleagues walked out in solidarity. Who is replacing Gary Lineker as presenter on Match of the Day?

Gary Lineker will be replaced with a trifecta of hosts.

Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates will take on shared presenting duties next season.

The trio are expected to be joined by Shearer and Richards as the regular Match of the Day pundits.

The role of lead presenter will be shared by three presenters (Picture: BBC) What could Gary Lineker do next?

Speculation has already begun to swirl about what Lineker might do next.

One possible route is his lucrative podcast business Goalhanger. It has been reported that his production company is in talks for a deal with DAZN.

The Guardian claims The Rest is Football is in talks to be part of the streaming service’s coverage of next year’s World Cup.

This would fall in line with his reported expansion of his podcasting empire and its hugely popular The Rest is… suite of shows. 

There is also speculation he could sign a new TV deal, with Sky Sports and ITV the broadcasters currently in the rumour mill for where Lineker could end up.

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