GARY Lineker will step down as the host of the BBC‘s flagship football highlights show, Match of the Day, at the end of the season, the broadcaster announced on Tuesday.

Lineker, who has hosted the show for 25 seasons, will conclude his run with the programme at the close of the Premier League season in May 2025.

The BBC, however, confirmed that Lineker—its highest-paid presenter with an annual salary of £1.35 million—will remain at the network. Both parties have agreed “in principle” to extend his contract through to the 2026 World Cup.

“After 25 seasons, Gary is stepping down from MOTD,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport. “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 Read More….