Gary Lineker has publicly apologised and announced the imminent end of his career in football broadcasting, following a controversial social media post which generated considerable criticism. The 64-year-old presenter is set to step down from his iconic role hosting Match of the Day, marking the close of a 26-year era in which he became one of the most recognised figures in British sport media.
The apology was issued after Lineker shared, then swiftly deleted, an Instagram story originally posted by the campaign group Palestine Lobby. The content, themed ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’, included an image of a rat—a symbol historically used in anti-Semitic propaganda, particularly by the Nazis. Though Lineker removed the content within hours, the inclusion of the image sparked outrage and prompted immediate calls for clarification and contrition.
In a statement released shortly after the incident, Lineker was unequivocal in his remorse. “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic. It goes against everything I believe in,” he wrote. As soon as he became aware of the issue, he said, “The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue. Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”
The timing of the controversy is particularly poignant, coming as Lineker prepares to host his final Match of the Day later this month. He announced last year his intention to leave at the end of the current football season, and his decision remains unchanged despite recent events. During his tenure, Lineker helped shape the nation’s football conversation, guiding viewers through countless Premier League moments and becoming synonymous with BBC Sport’s flagship coverage.
While new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates are set to take over, Lineker will still appear on BBC screens for a while longer. He is expected to continue presenting live FA Cup coverage and will anchor his final international tournament when the 2026 World Cup is held jointly in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nevertheless, Lineker’s recent comments suggest these will be among his last major appearances in football broadcasting.
Discussing his departure on ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker confirmed that his last Match of the Day would indeed be his final major engagement in football media. “Do you know who the pundits are on that show? You boys! I did my last Saturday night at the weekend, because the final day is on Sunday. Yeah, it’s the last one… The last time I will have that journey back at midnight. I won’t miss that part of it, but I will miss you boys!” The tone was one of nostalgia, but also resolution.
When pressed about his future involvement with football, Lineker was unambiguous. “Certainly, post World Cup final next year, I don’t think you’ll see me do much television. Maybe the occasional guest appearance, but I just want to watch football and enjoy it.” It’s a statement which signals a definitive shift in his priorities after decades in the spotlight.
Lineker’s future focus appears to be his burgeoning media company, Goalhanger, which has developed a successful portfolio of podcasts in sports, entertainment and politics. On Stephen Hendry’s ‘Cue Tips’ podcast, Lineker described his work in the podcast world as the next chapter: “We’ve got a podcast—our ‘Podcast empire’. I’m definitely focused on that now, unless something unexpected comes along.”
The episode serves as both an ending and a beginning. For millions of viewers, Lineker’s voice and presence have become central parts of their Saturday evenings. As the football icon steps away from the game’s broadcast limelight, his apology for the recent controversy and clear communication about his future demonstrate both accountability and a willingness to embrace new professional horizons.
Whatever comes next, Gary Lineker’s influence on British football broadcasting will be felt for many years to come. His decision to move away from the world of televised sport marks the end of a notable chapter in the history of football coverage in the UK.