Gary Lineker has recently shared an exciting update about his future career, revealing that he’s been offered a surprising new TV role as he prepares to step away from Match of the Day.
While Lineker has been the face of the beloved BBC show for 26 years, he’s ready for a change.
Despite admitting that certain aspects of punditry can sometimes bore him, he remains upbeat about his future prospects.
Farewell to Match of the Day
At 64 years old, Lineker will officially depart from Match of the Day at the end of this season.
Having taken over the role from Des Lynam in 1999, it marks the end of an era for the iconic BBC programme.
However, this doesn’t mean Lineker is leaving the broadcaster entirely.
He will continue to host FA Cup matches in the upcoming season and will also take the lead on BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup before retiring for good.
A New Era on Match of the Day
As Lineker moves on, BBC has already made arrangements for his replacement.
Starting in August, Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman will rotate as the new hosts of Match of the Day.
Though it’s a big change, Lineker is confident that they’ll do a fantastic job taking over the reins.
Podcast and Cooking Shows
While he’s winding down his role at the BBC, Lineker remains busy with his podcast, The Rest Is Football, which he plans to continue.
Interestingly, he’s received several offers for new projects, including a cooking show – a topic he’s passionate about.
However, Lineker turned these down, joking that while he’s a decent cook, he’s not ready to take on the persona of a celebrity chef like Gordon Ramsay.
Despite his enthusiasm for cooking, Lineker humbly admits, “I’m pretty good, but I’m not Gordon f***ing Ramsay.”
A Critical Take on Sky’s Coverage
Lineker also offered some candid thoughts on Sky Sports, particularly their coverage of the Premier League.
He confessed that he doesn’t always enjoy their in-depth coverage, especially when it focuses too much on things like corner kicks.
“They can spend 20 minutes covering a corner. It’s not for me,” he shared.
He prefers the excitement of the live match itself, with half-time analysis being one of his favorite moments.
Lineker appreciates the advantage BBC has, particularly with no commercials during matches, which allows them to focus on the game without interruptions.
The Challenge of the Match of the Day Role
Looking ahead, Lineker expressed his thoughts on the significant commitment that comes with hosting Match of the Day.
He acknowledged that taking on such a responsibility means sacrificing weekends for years.
However, he’s confident that Cates, Logan, and Chapman will be up to the task, as he’s known them for years and believes they’re all excellent presenters.
In his own words, Lineker remarked, “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that. They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job.”
As he reflects on his career, it’s clear that Lineker is ready to pass on the baton, but he’ll be watching as his successors continue the legacy he’s built on Match of the Day.