After 25 years of hosting the iconic football programme, Match of the Day, Gary Lineker is set to step down in May. The BBC recently made this announcement, sparking curiosity and speculation among sports fans and betting enthusiasts about who will take over as host. Lineker has been a familiar face for viewers tuning into Match of the Day for over two decades. As he prepares to pass on his role, he offered some advice to his successor: "Be yourself." He admitted that he does not have any insight into who will be taking up his mantle but encouraged them not to mimic his style but rather bring their unique flair.
Lineker's departure from Match of the Day marks an end of an era. He described it as "an absolute joy and privilege" being at the helm for so long. His tenure saw him presenting Premier League highlights with passion and expertise that resonated with fans across generations.
Despite stepping back from this flagship show next summer, Lineker will continue presenting live football until the 2026 World Cup final in USA. His voice will still be heard on BBC Sounds' Rest Is Football podcast which is set to air weekly going forward.
Future endeavours
While leaving a significant void in Match of The Day, Lineker's association with BBC isn't ending just yet. He'll continue hosting 'Match Of The Day Top 10' episodes and likely present two more Sports Personality Of The Year ceremonies before finally parting ways with BBC in 2026.
BBC News revealed that despite earning £1.35m annually from his work with BBC, Lineker had wished to stay on as host but was not given this opportunity. However, both parties are reportedly satisfied with how things concluded.
What lies ahead?
The future direction for Match of the Day remains shrouded in mystery. The BBC has not yet revealed its precise plans for the football programme but promised to share more details "in due course". In a statement, the corporation hinted at forthcoming changes, sparking speculation and anticipation among fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike. Names such as Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, and Gabby Logan have emerged as favourites among bookmakers to land the presenting gig.
BBC released statement:
“The show continually evolves for changing viewing habits bringing its unique and unmatched analysis and commentary across all platforms.”
While Lineker insists he is none the wiser about his successor's identity, he indicated having a preference but chose not to disclose it.
Gary Linekar, Former England striker, said:
“Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference,” he said. “I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself. I had to fill the ginormous shoes of a certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it, it’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave.”
As Gary Lineker prepares to bid farewell to Match of The Day after 25 years of service, fans eagerly await what lies ahead for this beloved football programme. With new plans shaping up for Match of The Day under a new host, one thing is certain - an exciting new era awaits.
