Gary Lineker To Depart BBC After Decades As Face Of Match Of The Day

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Gary Lineker, the iconic host of Match of the Day, is set to leave the BBC, marking the end of a 25-year era and sparking speculation about his next move in sports media.

Gary Lineker, one of Britain’s most recognizable broadcasters and the long-time host of BBC’s flagship football program Match of the Day, is reportedly set to leave the corporation. The news, which has sent ripples through the sports and media worlds, marks the end of an era for the BBC, where Lineker has been a fixture for over 25 years.

A Storied Tenure at the BBC

Lineker, 64, joined the BBC in 1999 as the anchor of Match of the Day, taking over from Des Lynam. His sharp wit, effortless charm, and deep football knowledge—honed during his illustrious career as a striker for Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur—made him a natural fit for the role. Over the years, he became synonymous with the program, guiding viewers through Premier League highlights with a blend of authority and humor.

Beyond Match of the Day, Lineker fronted the BBC’s coverage of major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, and hosted other sports programs like Sports Personality of the Year. His work extended to non-sporting ventures, such as presenting documentaries and guest appearances on BBC shows. With a reported salary of £1.35 million in recent years, Lineker has consistently been among the BBC’s highest-paid presenters, a point that occasionally sparked public debate.

Reasons for Departure

While the BBC and Lineker have not officially confirmed the exit, sources indicate his departure is imminent, with his final Match of the Day appearance expected by the end of the 2024-2025 season. Speculation about his exit has swirled for months, fueled by several factors.

Gary Lineker’s long tenure at the BBC, while marked by professional acclaim, was frequently punctuated by controversy stemming from his outspoken political commentary on the social media platform X, where he commands a following of 8.9 million. Known for his candid takes, Lineker’s vocal support for Palestine became a lightning rod for criticism, particularly when he retweeted posts that some deemed allegedly antisemitic. A prominent example was his sharing of a post that paired pro-Palestinian messaging with an image of a rat, which critics condemned as invoking harmful stereotypes historically associated with antisemitic tropes. This incident sparked heated debate on X, with some users accusing Lineker of insensitivity, while others defended his right to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The backlash intensified scrutiny of his role as a BBC presenter, given the corporation’s strict impartiality guidelines.

Another driver appears to be Lineker’s desire to explore new opportunities. He has built a successful media empire outside the BBC, notably through his production company, Goalhanger Podcasts, which produces hit shows like The Rest Is Football and The Rest Is Politics. These ventures have given Lineker a platform to engage audiences directly, free from the constraints of public broadcasting.

Tensions with the BBC have also played a role. In 2023, Lineker was briefly suspended from Match of the Day after a tweet criticizing the UK government’s immigration policy, which the BBC deemed a breach of impartiality guidelines. The suspension sparked a fierce backlash, with colleagues like Alan Shearer and Ian Wright walking out in solidarity, forcing the BBC to reinstate him. The incident highlighted the challenges of Lineker’s dual role as a broadcaster and outspoken public figure, particularly on social media platform X, where he has 8.9 million followers and frequently shares his views.

Recent reports suggest Lineker’s frustration with the BBC’s editorial oversight and his lucrative external projects have tipped the balance. Sources close to the presenter claim he is “ready for a new chapter” after nearly three decades with the corporation.

Impact on the BBC and Match of the Day

Lineker’s exit poses a significant challenge for the BBC. Match of the Day is a cultural institution, and Lineker’s presence has been central to its enduring appeal. Finding a successor with his charisma, credibility, and football pedigree will be no easy task. Names like Alan Shearer, Mark Chapman, and Alex Scott have been floated, but none command the same universal recognition.

The departure also comes at a turbulent time for the BBC, which faces budget pressures, competition from streaming platforms, and scrutiny over its funding model. Losing Lineker, a household name, could dent the corporation’s sports broadcasting dominance, especially as rivals like Sky Sports and TNT Sports vie for Premier League audiences.

Lineker’s Next Move

While Lineker’s immediate plans remain unclear, his media savvy and global profile ensure he won’t fade from the spotlight. His podcast ventures are likely to expand, and there’s speculation he could join a streaming giant like Amazon Prime or DAZN, which are investing heavily in football coverage. A return to punditry on a commercial broadcaster or even a foray into international media—leveraging his Barcelona connections—has also been mooted.

What’s Next for Football on the BBC?

As the BBC prepares for a post-Lineker era, the focus will be on preserving Match of the Day’s legacy while adapting to a changing media landscape. The corporation has a deep bench of talent, and emerging presenters like Scott and Gabby Logan could bring fresh energy. However, Lineker’s departure underscores the challenge of retaining star power in an era where personalities can build their own platforms.

For now, fans will savor Lineker’s final months on Match of the Day, knowing they’re witnessing the end of a defining chapter in British television. As the final whistle looms, Gary Lineker’s next move promises to be as compelling as his time at the BBC.

Note: This article is based on reports and speculation as of May 19, 2025. Official confirmation from Lineker or the BBC may clarify details.