Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC’s Match of the Day at the end of this football season has been confirmed.
So what? In 25 years hosting the show he became an unlikely hero to Remainers as well as football fans, and a thorn in the side of a BBC allergic to controversy.
His social media jabs at the Conservative government grew more pointed following Brexit and tabloids criticised his £1.35 million salary.
He was suspended in March 2023 for tweeting that the language of the Rwanda small boats policy was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.
Replacing Lineker will be difficult: after a highly successful football career he demonstrated a real talent for broadcasting.
His stunts – like presenting the show in his underwear after betting Leicester wouldn’t win the Premier League – also kept Match of the Day in the headlines.
He will still host BBC’s coverage of next year’s FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, while his podcast The Rest is Football will be streamed on BBC Sounds.