Gary Lineker will end his stint as Match of the Day host at the end of the season but remain with the BBC until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Lineker has been the longest-serving host in MOTD's history, having taken over as the anchor of the highlights show in 1999. At the time of writing, speculation remains over who might replace him in the role.
Earlier this year, an internal BBC email was reportedly leaked suggesting an announcement over his exit was being drawn up. However, this was subsequently refuted, with the corporation indicating discussions were still ongoing over new terms.
In early October, the 63-year-old quipped that he was taking charge of his "final show... before the international break". Now, though, an end date is in sight.
The former England striker's contract on the flagship show expires at the end of the current campaign. A deal has been agreed with the Beeb to keep him on FA Cup and World Cup duty for a little longer - with a substantial pay cut.
One insider said: “This is a deal agreed by both sides and everyone is happy with how it will play out.” Lineker earns £1.4million for MOTD making him the BBC’s highest paid presenter.
Head of sport Alex Kay-Jelski is keen to lower that wage bill and sources have described Kay-Jelski as being “not exactly close” to Lineker.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams involved. Lineker has been at the helm of a significant amount of tournament coverage for the BBC during his broadcasting career, including the 2024 European Championships.
Lineker is one of the highest earners on the BBC roster, earning a seven-figure salary for his work with the broadcaster. However, he dropped a hint about his future in a recent interview with Esquire, saying: “I could [leave]. Whether that will be the case I don’t know. At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”
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Lineker has a number of other irons in the fire, including podcast work. The former footballer, who will be 65 when his extended contract comes to an end, co-founder Goalhanger Productions and is a regular on The Rest is Football.
In September, the BBC confirmed he would not be part of the hosting team for their new Champions League highlights show. Presenting duties have been shared between Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Jason Mohammad during the midweek broadcasts.
Earlier in the year, Lineker spoke to BBC Breakfast to commemorate Match of the Day's 60th anniversary. At the time, he appeared relaxed about his long-term future.
"It depends how long they want me, I suppose," he said. "I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least. So we'll have to wait and see what happens."
"Obviously it's another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!"
Attention will now turn towards who could replace Lineker as Match of the Day host. As well as Logan, Chapman and Mohammad, Alex Scott has previously deputised and is popular among viewers.
Theo Walcott and Joe Hart are newer additions to the Match of the Day panel and are in the frame as ex-footballers who have moved into broadcasting. Dion Dublin and Alan Shearer are more established regulars.
Shearer is a close friend of Lineker's and works alongside him on his podcast as well as on the BBC. Dublin has branched out since beginning his broadcast career, hosting Homes Under The Hammer.
Kelly Somers has acted as the BBC's regular touchline reporter during major tournaments and has provided insight from inside the England camp. It's also been reported the BBC could rotate presenters rather than naming a permanent successor to Lineker.
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