Gary Lineker, the iconic face of Match of the Day, has disclosed his future plans as his tenure with the BBC comes to a close. Lineker, who has been presenting the Premier League highlights show for 26 years, is set to step down at the end of the season in May. However, fans will still see him covering the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup next summer. Despite his long-standing television career, Lineker has admitted that he does not foresee taking on many TV roles once he leaves Match of the Day.
At 64 years old, Lineker expressed his preference for enjoying sports from the comfort of his living room rather than being in a TV studio. He highlighted his involvement in Goalhanger, a media company he co-founded that specializes in podcast production. Lineker hosts popular podcasts like ‘The Rest is Football’ with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, indicating his shift towards dedicating more time to his media enterprise than television. In a recent podcast episode with snooker maestro Stephen Hendry, Lineker hinted at his focus on podcasting in the future.
When asked about his interest in watching sports at home, Lineker emphasised his love for football, snooker, and golf. He expressed his enjoyment of watching various sports from home, especially during peak sporting seasons. Following Lineker’s departure, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates are set to take turns hosting Match of the Day. Lineker shared his decision to leave the show, stating that it felt like the right time and that he wanted to finish on a high note by covering a major tournament like the FA Cup.
Lineker’s departure marks the end of an era for Match of the Day, as viewers prepare to see new presenters take over the iconic show. His contribution to sports broadcasting has been significant, and his focus on podcasting indicates a shift towards a new chapter in his media career. As Lineker prepares to bid farewell to Match of the Day, fans will remember his legacy as a respected sports presenter who brought passion and insight to every broadcast.