Kiwior's hard work undone to leave Liverpool on the brink

Hemp's back - but should Lionesses worry about injuries?

You sure, Trent? Liverpool more primed for success than Madrid

The best Didier Drogba interview you'll ever read

Where does Raphinha rank among Barca's best Brazilians?

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream MLS games live

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Lineker to leave Match of the Day</li><li>Spent 25 years on the BBC's flagship show</li><li>Opened up on behind-the-scenes talks</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Gary Lineker 'sensed' the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the Day as England icon lifts lid on 'unusual' FA Cup & World Cup agreement

<p>Former England striker Lineker first took over the reins of Match of the Day in 1999, becoming one of the most familiar faces in British football coverage. But while he will <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/gary-lineker-to-quit-match-of-the-day-date-presenter-final-bbc-broadcast-revealed/blt0a2f31608b359af9" target="_blank">continue his relationship with the BBC</a> beyond this season - fronting next season’s FA Cup coverage and staying on board for the 2026 World Cup - he will no longer be the face of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/gary-lineker-reveals-plans-future-after-steps-down-match-of-the-day-host/blt9e160a2e1235c0e4" target="_blank">broadcaster’s flagship Saturday night football program.</a></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The BBC has already named Lineker’s successors, with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan set to step into his shoes from next season. Their arrival will signal a new era for the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/weird-gary-lineker-explains-why-leaving-match-of-the-day-reveals-whether-watch-show-new-host-2025-26/bltcbd2a252f484977d" target="_blank">beloved football highlights show,</a> one that many fans may find difficult to imagine without Lineker’s presence.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In an interview with the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3116660g4o" target="_blank">BBC’s</a> Amol Rajan, Lineker said: "It's time. I've done it for a long time, it's been brilliant. I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more]. In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme."</p><p>Lineker acknowledged that the network seemed to favour bringing in new faces to refresh the Match of the Day format, and while the decision to step down this year wasn’t entirely his, he accepted the outcome.</p><p>"I think it was their preference that I didn't do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people," he said. "So it's slightly unusual that I would do the FA Cup and the World Cup, but to be honest, it's a scenario that suits me perfectly."</p>

WHAT LINEKER SAID

<p>As one of the most recognisable sports broadcasters in the UK, Lineker’s future is sure to draw plenty of attention. Whether he opts to pursue other television opportunities, focuses more on his podcast The Rest Is Football, or chooses to slow things down, his presence will undoubtedly be missed on Saturday nights.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LINEKER?

Gary Lineker 'sensed' the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the Day as England icon lifts lid on 'unusual' FA Cup & World Cup agreement | Goal.com

Gary Lineker has opened up about his imminent departure from Match of the Day, claiming he &quot;sensed&quot; the BBC wanted him to leave the show.

Gary Lineker &apos;sensed&apos; the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the Day as England icon lifts lid on &apos;unusual&apos; FA Cup &amp; World Cup agreement