The Premier League is back, and so is Match of the Day—but this season, the BBC’s flagship football highlights show has a fresh look and a fresh lineup.
On Saturday night, viewers got their first taste of the new format, hosted by Mark Chapman, alongside pundits Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. And the response? Mixed, to say the least.
Mark Chapman Steps into the Spotlight
Mark Chapman, who has long been a reliable face on Match of the Day 2 and filled in for Gary Lineker when needed, took the lead for the first show of the season.
Fans were quick to praise him as a steady hand during this transition.
One viewer summed it up perfectly:
“My goodness, what an upgrade in presenter. Mark Chapman is the best in the business.”
Chapman even opened the show with a playful jab at Rooney, noting the big change to the panel without directly referencing Lineker’s departure:
“Evening. The Premier League is back and Match of the Day is back.
You may have seen and heard that there is a big change to the show this season and that is Wayne Rooney has joined us as a regular pundit.
Some things don’t change, though. Alan [Shearer] is still here.”
Rooney’s Rocky Debut
Wayne Rooney, 39, signed on as an expert panellist after his stint as Plymouth manager ended in a sacking last December.
He reportedly agreed to a bumper £800,000 deal with the BBC and arrived at the studio in high spirits—but fans weren’t convinced by his debut.
Social media was quick to voice criticism. One X user wrote:
“I’m going to say this now as it will be said all season; I mean no offence to him personally, but having Wayne Rooney on MOTD is a big mistake.”
Another viewer added:
“Rooney’s punditry makes me nostalgic for the mute button. Great player, dreadful analysis.”
Clearly, while Rooney’s football credentials are unquestionable, translating that into expert analysis for TV is proving more challenging than expected.
The Shadow of Gary Lineker
Lineker’s departure still looms over the show.
The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, hosting Match of the Day since 1999 on £1.35 million a year, bowed out at the end of last season after controversy surrounding a social media post with anti-Semitic connotations.
Though he had plans to continue with live FA Cup coverage and the 2026 World Cup, Lineker decided it was “best for all concerned” to step away entirely.
For many viewers, his absence is still keenly felt:
“Not the same without Lineker.”
“Rather than an exciting new #MOTD format, much as I like Mark Chapman, this just looks like a Sunday night.”
A Mixed Reception Overall
While Chapman’s professionalism won fans over, Rooney’s punditry and the absence of Lineker have left audiences divided.
Some are excited about the new era of the show, while others long for the familiar rhythm of the Lineker years.
The new-look Match of the Day has officially kicked off, and as the Premier League season ramps up, it seems the panel and format changes will continue to spark conversation—and debate—among viewers.
