Gary Lineker Bids Emotional Farewell to Match of the Day After 26 Years
Gary Lineker, the beloved football legend and face of BBC’s Match of the Day, has ended his iconic run as presenter after an incredible 26 years. His final show aired on Sunday, May 25, closing a monumental chapter in British football broadcasting.
Lineker’s Tearful Goodbye: “An Absolute Privilege”
Visibly moved, Lineker called his time on the show “utterly joyous” and a “privilege.” He joked:
“Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits.”
Early Exit Triggered by Social Media Storm
Lineker’s departure came amid a social media backlash after he posted a controversial message referencing Zionism paired with imagery considered historically antisemitic. The presenter later issued an unreserved apology for any offence caused.
Who’s Taking Over Match of the Day?
From the 2025-26 Premier League season, presenting will be shared among rising stars:
- Gabby Logan
- Kelly Cates
- Mark Chapman
Lineker gave the new team his seal of approval:
“The programme is in the best of hands.”
Tributes Flood In During Emotional Final Episode
The farewell show featured a heartfelt video tribute from football giants and friends, including:
- Alan Shearer: “You’ve been unbelievable to Match of the Day.”
- Micah Richards, Ian Wright, and Danny Murphy
- Top players and managers like Virgil van Dijk, Pep Guardiola, and Claudio Ranieri
- Lineker’s own sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus
In a touching surprise, Andrea Bocelli, whose 2016 performance moved Lineker to tears during Manchester City’s title win, sent a special tribute.
Lineker’s Legendary BBC Legacy Comes to a Close
Having taken the helm in 1999, Lineker is the longest-serving host in Match of the Day’s history. His exit also means he will not present the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup or future FA Cup coverage, nor continue with BBC Sounds’ The Rest Is Football podcast.
Still, Lineker stays very much in the game as co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, home to “The Rest Is 1.”
Fans Mourn “End of an Era”
Fans rushed to social media to pay tribute:
“Gary Lineker was the face of football for me growing up.” “MOTD won’t be the same without him.” “He’s a good man—hope he prospers.”
A Sentimental Send-Off for Leicester City
True to form, Lineker ended his final show with a loving nod to his boyhood club:
“It had to be Leicester last.”
Fans will remember his cheeky 2016 stunt, when he promised to present the show in his underwear if Leicester won the title—and he delivered, proudly sporting Leicester shorts live on air.
