Gary Lineker, the legendary host of the BBC’s Match of the Day, has announced that he will be stepping down from his role at the end of this season, marking the end of a remarkable 26-year tenure.
His decision to leave comes as the BBC plans to bring in a new team of presenters to take over the popular sports show.
New Faces to Take Over Hosting Duties
As Lineker prepares to pass the torch, Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman will share hosting responsibilities for Match of the Day starting next season.
This shift comes as part of the BBC’s plan to rotate the hosting duties between these three experienced presenters.
Lineker has expressed his support for the move, acknowledging that the commitment to hosting the show every weekend can be overwhelming for anyone with a busy family life.
He believes the decision to have multiple hosts is likely driven by the heavy demands of the role.
Lineker’s Thoughts on His Replacements
In a recent interview with FourFourTwo, Lineker reflected on the decision to have Cates, Logan, and Chapman take over.
He pointed out that the constant commitment to hosting Match of the Day for years on end is a significant sacrifice.
“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone,” he explained.
Despite his departure, Lineker is confident that his replacements will do an excellent job, saying, “I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters. I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer.”
A New Chapter for Lineker in Sports Media
While Lineker will step down from his role as host of Match of the Day, he isn’t completely leaving the world of sports broadcasting.
He will continue to front coverage for the BBC’s FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, before ultimately moving away from the corporation to pursue other projects.
One of his key ventures is his podcast company, Goalhanger Podcasts, which has seen tremendous growth in recent years.
Goalhanger Podcasts Thriving Under Lineker’s Leadership
Founded in 2019, Goalhanger Podcasts has become a powerhouse in the podcast industry, with its shows like The Rest Is Football, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is History dominating the charts. Lineker’s podcast business recorded a staggering £1.4 million profit last year, with its assets rising significantly.
The company’s growth has been fueled by its wide-reaching audience, with 13 key shows collectively amassing more than 400 million audio downloads and 85 million views on YouTube in 2024.
During Euro 2024, Lineker’s podcast alone was downloaded nearly 20 million times, showcasing his growing influence in the digital media space.
A Bright Future Ahead for Lineker
While Lineker prepares to say goodbye to his long-standing role at Match of the Day, it’s clear that he’s not stepping away from sports media altogether.
With his successful podcast company and upcoming broadcasting commitments, Lineker’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in sports media is set to continue in new and exciting ways.