In a surprising turn of events, Gary Lineker, the long-standing host of BBC's flagship football program Match of the Day, is set to step down from his role at the end of the current season. The BBC is expected to make an official announcement on Tuesday, confirming the departure of one of its most recognizable faces.
Lineker, 63, has been at the helm of Match of the Day since 1999, making his tenure as host span nearly a quarter of a century. His final appearance on the show is anticipated to be in May 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Premier League season.
The news comes on the heels of contract negotiations between Lineker and the BBC, which began in October. In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, Lineker hinted at the possibility of scaling back his commitments, acknowledging that he would "have to slow down at some point."
As the BBC's highest-paid presenter among those whose salaries are publicly disclosed, Lineker commands an annual salary exceeding £1.3 million. Throughout his time at the BBC, he has not only been the face of Match of the Day but has also presented coverage of major tournaments such as World Cups and European Championships, as well as hosting BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremonies.
While Lineker's primary association has been with the BBC, he has also lent his expertise to other networks, including NBC in the United States and BT Sport (now TNT Sport) in the UK. In recent years, he has diversified his portfolio by co-founding Goalhanger, a podcast production company responsible for popular shows like The Rest is History and The Rest is Politics.
Before his successful career in broadcasting, Lineker was a prolific striker, representing England on the international stage and playing for clubs such as Leicester, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona.
As fans and colleagues alike prepare for Lineker's departure from Match of the Day, speculation is already mounting about who might step into his shoes to lead one of British television's most beloved sports programs.