Gary Lineker Reacts to New ‘Match of the Day’ After Legendary Presenter’s Exit
Gary Lineker Responds to New Format of Match of the Day After His Departure
Although Gary Lineker is no longer the host of Match of the Day, the former England striker remains engaged with the show’s new lineup unveiled during Saturday’s broadcast. The 64-year-old shared his thoughts on social media, indicating he’s still interested in the program despite stepping down from his long-held role.
Lineker confirmed in May that he would leave the BBC after over 25 years presenting the popular football highlights show. His departure followed controversy over social media posts, which led to him apologizing and stepping back from his duties, including future coverage of major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup and the FA Cup.
The recent episode marked a significant overhaul of the program, featuring a rotating group of presenters such as Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates. Notably, it also introduced Wayne Rooney as a full-time pundit on an £800,000 deal, making his debut as part of the new team.
Lineker took to social media to share a photo of his TV screen, captioning it with “Can’t miss Match of the Day,” signaling his continued interest. He also posted a picture from his home sofa with the message, “I could get used to this,” to suggest he’s enjoying a relaxed life away from his broadcasting role.
Background
Lineker’s departure was due to a social media controversy where he shared a post that sparked accusations of antisemitism, which he denied intentionally sharing. In a statement, he said, “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years,” emphasizing that he did not knowingly repost anything offensive.
Despite leaving his position, Lineker remains active in football-related projects, collaborating with colleagues like Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on the popular podcast The Rest is Football.
His long tenure as presenter from 1999 made him the show’s longest-serving host, and he has expressed that stepping away was a difficult but necessary decision given the circumstances.