Gary Lineker has been seen publicly for the first time since the announcement of his departure from Match of the Day after an impressive 25-year tenure. The former England striker and celebrated presenter was photographed walking his dog near his home in Barnes, south London, on Tuesday morning, following Monday’s news that he will leave his role as lead presenter at the end of the current Premier League season.
Despite stepping down from Match of the Day, Lineker, 62, will maintain his longstanding relationship with the BBC until the end of the 2026 World Cup. He is set to continue as the broadcaster’s lead presenter for major tournaments, including the FA Cup and the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The BBC confirmed these arrangements in an official statement on Tuesday, noting that Lineker will helm BBC Sport’s coverage through the next World Cup, and will cover FA Cup fixtures during the 2025-26 season.
The BBC statement read, “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup. Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify, and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina. Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player. After a quarter of a century, Gary is stepping down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of this season.”
Expressing his gratitude, Lineker stated, “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.” Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, added, “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re thrilled that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and FA Cup. After 25 seasons, Gary is stepping down from Match of the Day, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed, but we’re glad he’s staying with the BBC to present live football.”
Since taking over from the iconic Des Lynam in 1999, Lineker has become synonymous with Match of the Day. Initially contracted through May 2025, he has now agreed to an 18-month extension. As reported by The Sun, this extension comes with a substantial pay cut from his current £1.3 million salary. Lineker’s final role with the BBC will conclude with the World Cup Final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in July 2026.
Speculation has already begun regarding Lineker’s successor on Match of the Day, with Mark Chapman emerging as a frontrunner. Chapman, who currently hosts Match of the Day 2 and has substituted for Lineker on the flagship Saturday show, is a respected figure within the BBC. Known for his rapport with football pundits, Chapman also hosts BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club and 606, in addition to his role with Sky Sports covering the Carabao Cup.
Other contenders for the role include Football Focus host and former England Women’s international Alex Scott, as well as BBC mainstays Gabby Logan and Jason Mohammad. As the BBC looks forward to a new era, Lineker’s departure marks the end of an era for the cherished football show.
