Gary Lineker Quits Match of the Day After 25 Years
Gary Lineker is hanging up his Match of the Day boots after the current football season. The legendary former England striker has presented the iconic Premier League highlights show since 1999, becoming a staple of BBC sports.
Lineker Stays with BBC Until 2026 World Cup
The 63-year-old will remain with the BBC through the 2026 World Cup, set to be held across the US, Mexico, and Canada. After the tournament, Lineker could switch gears, possibly taking on new roles like podcast hosting.
From Des Lynam to Social Media Storms
- Lineker took over Match of the Day from Des Lynam, cementing his status as one of the BBC’s biggest sports personalities.
- His BBC journey hasn’t been smooth. In March 2023, he faced a suspension over tweets criticising the UK government’s asylum policy.
- The controversial move sparked huge public debate, forcing the BBC to rethink its social media rules.
- Lineker was soon reinstated after the dust settled.
BBC’s Highest-Paid Star
Lineker reportedly pocketed around £1.35 million in the 2023-24 financial year for his work on Match of the Day and the Sports Personality of the Year show. His departure marks the end of an era in British football broadcasting.
