Gary Lineker has been spotted for the first time since it was announced he is leaving Match Of The Day.
The former professional footballer was seen leaving his home in London for a walk. The star, 63, was wearing dark trousers and a black coat and had wrapped a scarf around his neck to keep out the cold as he set off for a stroll with his dog.
It comes as it was confirmed that the TV star is stepping down as the host of the football programme, which he has been on since 1999. Gary will continue to present the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup 2025/2026 and the 2026 World Cup.
He we also continue to front the MOTD Top Ten podcast while his The Rest is Football podcast will air on BBC Sounds.
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The BBC confirmed the news, saying the star was leaving Match Of The Day at the end of the season. The statement said: “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.
(Image: PA)
“Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.
“Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.”
(Image: PA)
“After a quarter of a century, Gary is stepping down from hosting Match Of The Day at the end of this season. He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.”
Gary said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Alex Kay-Jelski, the director of BBC Sport, called the star a “world class presenter”, adding: “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.”
He also thanked Gary for “everything he has done” for Match Of The Day and said that he would be “hugely missed on the show”.
Lineker opened negotiations with the BBC over a new contract in October, and is currently its highest-paid star, earning more than £1.3 million per year.
All parties are said to be “pleased” with their new agreement, which gives Lineker more time to focus on his other business interests.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: “Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.”
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