Gary Lineker fought back tears as he hosted his final episode of Match of the Day, officially marking the end of his 26-year career with the BBC.
Lineker had announced last November that he would step down at the end of the Premier League season, which concluded on Sunday. Originally expected to stay on for BBC coverage of the FA Cup and the World Cup, Lineker left the broadcaster earlier than planned. The decision came after he apologized for sharing a social media post featuring an antisemitic image.
Opening Sunday’s show, Lineker hinted at the controversy by saying, “It wasn’t meant to end this way,” before linking the line to the drama of the final day of the season.
At the close of the programme, fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards presented Lineker with a commemorative cap and golden boot.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous,” Lineker said. Speaking directly to viewers, he added, “Thank you for watching, for your love and support over the years. It’s been so special. I’m sorry your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye.”
A Career of Highlights and Controversy
Lineker, a former England striker, took over from Des Lynam in 1999 and became the BBC’s highest-paid presenter. Over the years, he became known not only for his football coverage but also for his outspoken views on social media.
In 2023, he was briefly suspended after criticizing the UK government’s asylum policy. His suspension sparked walkouts by several BBC Sport colleagues, prompting the network to revise its social media guidelines.
More recently, Lineker came under fire for reposting an image that many considered antisemitic. He apologized, saying he hadn’t seen the illustration and would never intentionally share offensive content. Soon after, the BBC confirmed his early departure.
In a statement, Lineker expressed regret for the post and acknowledged the pain it caused. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action,” he said.
BBC Director General Tim Davie praised Lineker’s legacy, calling him “a defining voice in football coverage for over two decades.”
A Celebrated Send-Off
Sunday’s final episode included a tribute montage of Lineker’s career, from his goal-scoring days at Everton and Spurs to famous Match of the Day moments—like the time he hosted wearing only Leicester City boxer shorts after his team’s surprise Premier League win in 2016.
Tributes came from across the football world. Liverpool manager Arne Slot thanked Lineker for being “a great presenter” he admired even while living in the Netherlands. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola joked, “You won’t believe it but you will be missed.”
Shearer and Richards introduced messages from Alan Hansen, Ian Wright, Paul Gascoigne, the late Johan Cruyff, singer Andrea Bocelli, and Lineker’s own sons.
Lineker closed by wishing good luck to the show’s new hosts—Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates—who will take over starting in the 2025–26 season.
“The programme is in the best of hands,” Lineker said.
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