Gary Lineker breaks silence on Match of the Day exit as shock name emerges in race to replace him

Gary Lineker has broken his silence after the BBC confirmed that he will step down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of the season.

The 63-year-old, who succeeded Des Lynam as the host of Match of the Day in 1999, has agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.

He will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup during the 2025/26 season but it has been announced that after a quarter of a century, Lineker will step down from hosting Match of The Day at the end of this season.

However, the former Spurs and Leicester forward will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast, as well as the popular The Rest is Football podcast.

Speaking as the news was announced, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, who is the Director of BBC Sport, also commented on the decision.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

At this stage, it is unclear who will take over from Lineker but Mark Chapman is the favourite at 7/4.

Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates, meanwhile, has become the new second-favourite to replace Lineker as the host, according to Star Sports.

Cates has moved ahead of Alex Scott, who is now third favourite, while Eilidh Barbour has also moved into reckoning at 10/1.

Luke Tarr, the Head of PR at Star Sports, said: “Gary Lineker will be stepping away from the BBC’s Match of the Day programme at the end of the season, with plenty of names in the frame to replace him.

“Mark Chapman has held as our favourite since opening the market last night, but we’ve cut Kelly Cates from a 25/1 outsider to a new 3/1 second-favourite.

“Similarly, Eilidh Barbour has come into contention at 10/1, moving ahead of the likes of Jason Mohammed and Kelly Somers.