Gary Lineker says goodbye to Match of the Day
Image by Connor Coyne via Unsplash
Football and presenter veteran Gary Lineker hosted his last Match of the Day on Sunday 25 May while holding back tears.
After 26 years of hosting the beloved football analysis show, Lineker announced his departure in November, and recently left the BBC in its entirety.
Lineker faced criticism for his political views and stances about current world events, but most will miss him for his funny antics and on point football analysis.
His views sometimes made headlines more than the football, even being suspended in 2023 for posting about the government’s asylum policy with other BBC presenters leaving in support of him. When Lineker returned, the policy for presenters posting on social media was changed.
Lineker was always planning on stepping down from Match of the Day but was still going to host coverage of the World Cup.
He signed an open letter, like many other high-profile people, that urged the BBC to reupload a documentary on Gaza that had been removed. Lineker reposted an Instagram story, by the group Palestine Lobby, which was about Zionism. This repost was deleted when he was made aware that it featured an antisemitic image.
He stated: “I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”
Since this, Lineker will no longer be providing coverage of the World Cup later this year.
He became the presenter for Match of the Day in 1999, replacing Des Lynam, after his striking football career came to an end.
Gary Lineker presenesting Match of the Day via gettyimages
The programme ended with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards presenting Lineker with a commemorative cap and golden boot. Lineker thanked the production team for a “joyous quarter of a century” before thanking the viewers at home.
“Thank you for watching, thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special, and I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye,” he said.
Match of the Day will continue with new hosts Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan taking over joint responsibility with the new season starting later this year.