End of an era: Gary Lineker to step down as Match of the Day host at season’s end
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
The iconic English striker and equally legendary presenter, Gary Lineker, will bid farewell to his role as host of Match of the Day at the conclusion of the current season, according to The Sun. Lineker, however, will see out his contract with the BBC until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
The former England forward first took on the role in the beloved football show in 1999.
"I’ve been watching Match Of The Day since I was a boy. And just as captaining England was an honour, so too is hosting the best football show on TV. It’s a job any sports broadcaster would be proud to do and I’m thrilled." Lineker shared.
Over the years, he has become known for numerous memorable moments as the show’s presenter.
One of his most famous on-air stunts came in the middle of the 2015/16 season when he promised to host the show in just his underwear if Leicester City won the Premier League — a promise he was compelled to fulfill.
Lineker also found himself at the center of controversy in 2023. He posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing a bill proposing changes to the asylum law. As a result, the BBC suspended him from hosting Match of the Day. It was only after strong support from colleagues that Lineker was reinstated.
