Gary Lineker, the beloved host of Match of the Day, has shared a lighthearted moment with fellow football legend Alan Shearer about his departure from the show. As he hosted the iconic BBC programme for the first time since it was confirmed he’d be stepping down, the atmosphere was both nostalgic and playful.
It all began last week when the BBC made the surprising announcement that Lineker would be leaving his post at the end of the current football season. Having been the face of Match of the Day since 1999, Lineker's departure marks the end of an era for the flagship football highlights show.
When Saturday’s episode of Match of the Day began, Alan Shearer, who was standing beside Lineker, directly addressed the camera with a remark that felt like a poignant reflection on the changes ahead: “All good things must come to an end.” It was a simple, yet heavy statement, highlighting the significance of Lineker’s upcoming exit.
In true Lineker style, however, he responded with a quip that lightened the mood. With a smile, he shot back: “Yes Alan – Lee Carsley’s England reign is over. It’s back to business in the Premier League.” This cheeky response not only added some humor to the moment, but it also hinted at the football world’s ongoing drama, with the England managerial seat still up for grabs.
But Lineker wasn’t done. He threw in another playful jab with: “Al ain’t getting the job.” This cheeky remark, aimed at his long-time co-pundit Shearer, generated laughs from the crew, showing that while his tenure at Match of the Day might be winding down, Lineker’s sharp wit and camaraderie with fellow football figures like Shearer are far from over.
Despite his exit from the Match of the Day hosting chair, the 63-year-old football legend will remain closely tied to the BBC for the foreseeable future. Both Lineker and the BBC reached an agreement to extend his contract through to the 2026 World Cup, ensuring that his presence continues to be felt in the world of football broadcasting. This is certainly a silver lining for fans who might be sad to see him leave Match of the Day.
Lineker will continue to play a major role in BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup during the 2025-26 season, which will no doubt be a highlight of his continued work with the BBC. His involvement won’t stop there, though. Fans will still be able to tune in to hear his voice on the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast, a series he’ll continue to host for BBC Sounds. On top of that, Lineker’s The Rest Is Football podcast, produced by his Goalhanger Podcasts company, will also be available on the platform. Each week, listeners can expect a fresh episode to keep them connected to the football world through Lineker’s unique perspective.
Although Lineker’s departure from Match of the Day signals the end of an era, the BBC has been careful to note that they’ll be revealing future plans for the show in due course. This leaves fans curious as to who will step into the host’s chair when the time comes. The rumor mill has already begun, with several names being tossed around. Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan are among those being considered as potential successors to Lineker, each with their own distinct style and connection to the football world. Whoever takes the helm will have big shoes to fill, but it’s clear that the legacy of Match of the Day will continue to evolve in exciting ways.
For those who grew up watching Lineker as the face of Match of the Day, his departure certainly feels like the end of an era. His calm, insightful commentary, paired with his witty banter with pundits like Shearer, has been the fabric of the show for over two decades. However, it’s clear that Lineker’s impact on football broadcasting will continue well into the future, even if he’s no longer in the Match of the Day studio.
As for Shearer, though his friendly banter with Lineker was part of what made Match of the Day so entertaining, he may now be feeling a little more pressure to take on a larger role himself. Could Shearer be in the running to host Match of the Day in the future? While it’s not clear whether he wants to take on that challenge, one thing is for sure: his football insight and TV presence make him a natural fit for the role.
In the meantime, football fans are likely to continue enjoying Lineker’s contributions to the sport in different ways, whether through his podcasts, his FA Cup hosting, or his insightful commentary on other BBC sports programming. While it may take some time to adjust to a new era of Match of the Day, one thing remains certain: Lineker’s legacy in the world of football broadcasting is secure. His influence on the sport and the media landscape will not be forgotten, and his future projects will no doubt keep fans engaged for years to come.
The departure of Gary Lineker from Match of the Day marks the end of an era, but it also opens up new opportunities for fresh faces and exciting changes within BBC Sport. As fans eagerly await the next chapter, they can take solace in knowing that Lineker’s influence will continue to shine through in other roles. Whether it’s on the FA Cup coverage, his podcasts, or future endeavors, there’s no doubt that Lineker’s voice will remain a key part of the footballing landscape. And who knows? Maybe his jokes and witty remarks with Alan Shearer will pop up in future broadcasts, keeping fans entertained and reminded of the good times they had watching the duo on Match of the Day.
As for who will replace him? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—Match of the Day will keep evolving, and the best of football broadcasting is still ahead.
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