Gary Lineker's true feelings about Match of the Day have been confirmed.
The former England star, 63, is leaving the BBC flagship sports show after 25 years at the end of the current season, the BBC has announced. Despite this, he will continue to front the FA Cup coverage in the 2025/26 season and the World Cup in 2026. He will also continue to work on the MOTD Top Ten podcast, while the BBC will also host his The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.
Gary said: I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen." Meanwhile, Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: "Gary is a world-class presenter, and we're delighted that he'll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup. After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."
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w8media)Now, in an exclusive chat with the Mirror – Gary's feelings about the exit have been revealed. The former striker was seen walking his dog outside of his home in Barnes, south London on Tuesday morning just an hour before the news of his exit broke. Leading body language expert Judi James told us: "This looks like the non-verbal version of a 'no comment' but Gary's body language does appear to be speaking for him regardless."
Judi added: "Emerging to walk the dog might normally prompt a swift look around to greet the day and enjoy the winter sun but Gary's head and his eye-direction are firmly downward here, suggesting he is in no way celebrating his career news. He looks subdued and glum here, with no signs of any sociability towards the photographers.
"His lips appear to be pulled inward, hinting at no desire to speak, and as he walks his right arm seems raised in a partial barrier gesture. He looks a long way from his signature relaxed, cheeky-chappie persona on the screens, suggesting a possible sense of humour failure after yesterday's 'Breaking news' drama."
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w8media)Lineker has been at the helm for MOTD since 1999, replacing the legendary Des Lynam. The star was due to be out of contract in May 2025 but has now agreed a new 18-month deal. As first reported by the Sun, Lineker will take a substantial pay cut compared to his current £1.3million salary. But the agreement will only see him present Match of the Day for six more months before the leaving the BBC entirely in July 2026.
His final bow is set to be hosting their live coverage of the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Since the news of his exit broke, celebs and public figures have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their views. MP Adrian Ramsay said: "Really sorry to see @GaryLineker will be leaving the BBC and #MOTD. He's a brilliant presenter, was a great footballer, and I admired the way he stood up for the most vulnerable. I wish him well."
Former Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron added: "Sorry to hear about @GaryLineker stepping down. Pretty obvious who his replacement should be…" Sky News anchor Mark Austin tweeted: "When live football is king and you can get the action & goals on your phone at will, a football highlights show is not a certain winner these days . @GaryLineker has helped give MOTD longevity and enduring appeal."
Former MP and TV presenter Anna Soubry commented: "Surely the sport bosses at the #BBC would not be so stupid as to let go of @GaryLineker ? He is #MOTD - an outstanding sport broadcaster. And an all round decent human being." While his replacement is currently unknown, many have been calling for Mark Chapman to take the hot seat.
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