Gary Lineker says ‘this is the right time’ to leave Match of the Day

Gary Lineker says hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been “an absolute joy and privilege”, but that it is “the right time” for him to exit and “someone else to take the helm” of the BBC show.

Former England striker Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and will have presented the show for more than a quarter of a century when he leaves in May 2025. He will continue to present coverage of the FA Cup next season and the World Cup in 2026.

“It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end,” Lineker said on his podcast, The Rest Is Football.

“It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird.”

The 63-year-old former England striker later added: “I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time.

“I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”

Mark Chapman, Alex Scott and Kelly Somers have all been linked with replacing Lineker.

“I look back and it’s been an amazing experience, and I feel incredibly fortunate,” he said, before confirming he will still watch Match Of The Day.

“I didn’t think it would be quite the big deal that it was – it’s just a guy that has done a TV show for a long time, it’s nothing more than,” he said.