Lineker is set to leave the show after 26 years, as the favourites for his role have been revealed

The favourites to replace Gary Lineker once he steps down from his role as host of Match of the Day.

Lineker, who became the host of the flagship football show back in 1999, five years after he called time on his playing career, is set to step down after 26 years.

It was first reported by the Sun that the Brit would leave the show come the close of the Premier League season, this May.

He is the longest-serving host, and it’ll definitely be a huge job in trying to replace him.

The 63-year-old is set to stay on with the BBC for its 2025/26 FA Cup coverage though, as well as leading the World Cup coverage in 2026 before leaving the broadcaster.

His departure is expected to be officially announced today (12 November), though the BBC has already reported on the news.

Lineker’s future at the BBC has been in question recently, as he hinted towards it in interviews earlier this year, as he said on BBC Breakfast: “It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

He continued: “Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”

Lineker is on his way out of the BBC (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

As one of the most recognisable names and faces that the BBC have on their books, Lineker is also the broadcaster’s single highest earner across the board, taking home £1.3 million a year.

But now, it looks like there are seven frontrunners for his role as host of Match of the Day, with former Lionesses footballer Alex Scott up for the role, filling in for Lineker in the past when he’s been away.

Currently the host of BBC’s Football Focus, she has also been a part of shows at the Euros, FA Cup and Women’s Super League to name a few.

Sports host and ex-Olympian Gabby Logan is also up for the role, even ranking in at second favourite for the role, according to Ladbrokes.

He’ll soon be waving goodbye to a 26-year career with the broadcaster (DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Mark Chapman stands alone as favourite at 6/4 odds, though the Sun have reported that the BBC may try to introduce a rotation of presenters, with Chapman one of the hosts being rotated.

He has also recently started hosting the BBC’s mid-week Champions League highlight show.

Sky Sports host Kelly Cates is also up for the role, while Eilidh Barbour, known for covering the Women’s World Cup for the BBC, is also a contender.

Presenters Kelly Somers and Laura Woods are also up for the gig, while

List of favourites to replace Lineker

Mark Chapman (6/4)
Gabby Logan (4/1)
Kelly Cates (5/1)
Alex Scott, Eilidh Barbour (6/1)
Kelly Somers (8/1)
Laura Woods (10/1

Gary Lineker to quit Match Of The Day after 25 years

It’s said he’ll leave the BBC after a major tournament

Gary Lineker is set to quit Match Of The Day (MOTD) after 25 years.

The Sun has reported that the football star will leave the show at the end of this Premier League season in May.

As the longest-serving host, Lineker has hosted MOTD for a whole quarter of a century, and let’s be honest, it’ll feel a little weird without him.

However, he won’t leave the BBC straight away after that, as a deal with the corporation means he’ll stay on to anchor its 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the 2026 World Cup.

It’s expected Lineker’s departure will be officially announced tomorrow (12 November) by the BBC.

When approached by LADbible, a BBC spokesperson declined to comment.

Lineker is set to leave. (BBC)

The 63-year-old’s future at the show has been a little up in the air, with rumours circulating over the year about his career plans.

In a recent interview with Esquire, he seemed to drop a bit of hint as he said: “I could [leave]. Whether that will be the case I don’t know. At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”

But when he appeared on BBC Breakfast earlier this year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of MOTD, he seemed a little more relaxed about it all.

“It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens,” he said.

“Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”

Lineker will reportedly stay with the BBC until 2026. (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Lineker is one of the BBC’s best-known presenters and is the corporation’s highest paid stars of those whose salaries are declared.

The former England player rakes in over £1.3 million a year, so it’ll be quite the pay cut when he steps down.

Over the years, the star has of course presented coverage of huge tournaments like World Cups and European Championships for the broadcaster, as well as BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremonies.

But he has of course also been involved in controversy, due to his social media. Last year, Lineker was briefly suspended following backlash to a post about the UK’s asylum policy.

This then led to a review of social media guidelines at the BBC, which concluded that high-profile presenters should be allowed to express their views on issues and policies, but stop short of political campaigning.