Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day at the end of the current Premier League season but the BBC have now confirmed that he’s already presented their Sports Personality of the Year for the last time
Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day at the end of the current Premier League season but the BBC have now confirmed that he’s already presented their Sports Personality of the Year for the last time Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day at the end of the current Premier League season but the BBC have now confirmed that he’s already presented their Sports Personality of the Year for the last time
Gary Lineker has stepped down from his role as presenter of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards after 23 years.
It follows the former England striker’s decision to leave Match of the Day at the end of the current Premier League season. The BBC announced on Tuesday that Lineker has signed a new 18-month contract, one which includes an agreement to quit MOTD in May next year before leaving the broadcaster altogether in July 2026 following the World Cup.
Now a BBC spokesperson has said via the Sun: “We can confirm Gary has decided to step down from the team presenting BBC Sports Personality Of The Year. After 23 years, last year’s 70th anniversary was his final show.”
It’s understood the decision wasn’t related to Lineker’s contract discussions. The 62-year-old hosted the 2023 awards ceremony alongside former England Women’s international Alex Scott, and long-time BBC presenters Gabby Logan and Clare Balding. It’s currently unknown who’ll replace him.
(
Image:
Getty Images)
The same goes for his Match of the Day role, with Mark Chapman – who already hosts MOTD 2 on a Sunday – the early favourite. The corporation say that ‘future plans for Match of the Day will be announced in due course’.
His previous contract with the BBC was due to expire in 2025 but Lineker’s extension signals the beginning of the end. Although he’ll stop presenting Match of the Day, the TV icon will host their live FA Cup coverage in the 2025-26 season.
Lineker’s final BBC appearance will be hosting the next World Cup final. It’s due to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA on July 19, 2026. “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen,” Lineker said in Tuesday’s announcement.
Get involved! Who should replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day? Tell us your pick in the comments section.
(
Image:
David Davies/PA Wire)
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, added: “Gary is a world-class presenter and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup. After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD.
“We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Mirror – Sport
