Gary Lineker breaks silence after Match of the Day exit confirmed by BBC after 26 years

Gary Lineker has addressed his departure from Match of the Day after a remarkable 26 years at the helm of the BBC's premier football highlights programme. Becoming a staple in homes across the UK, the 63-year-old took over from Des Lynam in 1999 and has since grown to be a revered figure among football pundits nationwide.

He's widely recognised as one of the highest earners at the BBC, raking in roughly £1.35 million annually. However, despite his upcoming exit from Match of the Day at the close of the 2024-25 season, Lineker isn't severing ties with the BBC completely; he has agreed to an 18-month contract—albeit with a significant salary cut—which ensures he will still host FA Cup games and make a return for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, reports the Mirror.

Lineker himself confirmed his continued partnership with the broadcaster, stating: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen."

In response, Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC's Director of Sport, praised Lineker for his commitment over the years, remarking: "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."

Lineker, who was also a star striker for Leicester, Tottenham and England, previously made light of speculation he could depart Match of the Day during a show in October, when he joked it would be his last episode in charge. "Hello," he said.

"Seven games on the way and it's my final show ... before the international break."

He had also added fuel to the fire during an interview with Esquire earlier this year when asked if he could leave the show, admitting he was "getting old". "I could [leave]," the former Leicester City striker said.

"Whether that will be the case I don't know. At some point, I have to slow down somewhere... I’m getting old."

"It depends how long they want me, I suppose," he said. "I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least. So we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Speculation will now turn to who could replace Lineker on Match of the Day. Gabby Logan has previously deputised for him and will be among the front runners, in addition to Mark Chapman - who fronts Match of the Day 2 - and Alex Scott.

Other candidates are regular panelists Alan Shearer and Dion Dublin.