**Gary Lineker Bids Farewell to BBC After Decades-Long Career, Shifting Focus to Booming Podcast Venture**
Gary Lineker, a familiar face on British television and a stalwart of BBC’s football coverage, is set to make his final appearance as host on “Match of the Day” this Sunday, marking the end of an era for both the presenter and the esteemed football highlights programme. The 64-year-old former England striker, whose association with the BBC has spanned over two decades, had already made public his decision to step down at the conclusion of the Premier League season.
Lineker’s departure comes amidst a turbulent period marked by controversy and internal tensions within the BBC, particularly regarding comments he made on social media. Earlier this year, Lineker shared an Instagram post referencing Zionism, which included an image of a rat—an image widely recognised as a historical antisemitic trope. The post was soon deleted, and Lineker issued a prompt apology. However, the fallout from the incident reportedly rendered his position untenable in the eyes of senior figures at the corporation.
The situation was further complicated by reports suggesting that remarks Lineker made in a recent interview were the final catalyst for his exit. Speaking to the Telegraph prior to the social media storm—a conversation published only days after the controversy erupted—Lineker questioned the experience of the BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski. He remarked that Kay-Jelski, who comes from a journalistic rather than television production background, “has got no television experience” and appeared critical of plans to alter the format of “Match of the Day”.
Despite earlier plans that would have seen Lineker return to anchor the BBC’s World Cup coverage next year and continue presenting live FA Cup fixtures throughout the 2025/26 season, his departure has now been brought forward. Both fans and pundits are left reflecting on the legacy of a presenter who became synonymous with Saturday evening football.
Yet, the move is not an abrupt retirement but rather a carefully considered pivot in Lineker’s career. In recent discussions on “The Rest is Football” podcast—where he is joined by former footballers Alan Shearer and Micah Richards—Lineker outlined his ambitions beyond television. He intimated that after next year’s World Cup in North America, his era of regular television work would draw to a close, allowing him more time to enjoy watching football as a supporter rather than as a presenter.
Indeed, Lineker has already invested significant energy into a new venture: his rapidly growing podcast production company, Goalhanger. Speaking candidly on Stephen Hendry’s “Cue Tips” podcast, he described the operation as “a podcast empire”, with the company hosting numerous popular shows including “The Rest Is Football”, “The Rest Is Entertainment”, and “The Rest Is Politics”. Founded just over two years ago, Goalhanger boasts an impressive track record, now recording upwards of 12 million downloads each month and reporting profits of £1.4 million in the previous financial year.
Lineker’s own words suggest a genuine excitement for this new chapter. He explained that although the world of television may still see him make the occasional guest appearance, his passion is now firmly anchored in the podcasting world, where creative freedom and increasing audiences offer stimulating prospects.
Industry observers note that this career transition mirrors a broader trend among established broadcasters, who are increasingly drawn to digital platforms less constrained by traditional media frameworks. Lineker’s move is testament to the enduring appeal of experienced voices who are capable of adapting to new media landscapes and engaging audiences in fresh ways.
As Lineker prepares for his final sign-off on “Match of the Day”, reactions have been mixed. Supporters lament the end of a broadcasting era, while detractors focus on the controversies that precipitated his exit. Nonetheless, his influence on sports coverage and his role as a pioneer in the British podcasting scene are set to continue well into the future.
With his legacy at the BBC now firmly established, all eyes will be on Lineker as he navigates this next phase, both as a major force in podcasting and as a seasoned commentator watching the game from the stands rather than the studio.