Gary Lineker steps down from another BBC role after 23 years

Gary Lineker has announced his departure as the anchor of Sports Personality Of The Year (SPOTY), the BBC has confirmed. He had hosted last year's ceremony with ex-Lionesses defender Alex Scott, and television hosts Gabby Logan and Clare Balding, signalling his final appearance in the role for the long-running awards event.

The news comes alongside the revelation that Lineker, at 63, will also hang up his boots on presenting the popular football show Match Of The Day (MOTD) after this Premier League season ends. However, he is not leaving the BBC family entirely, having agreed to a contract extension that will see him stay on until the 2026 World Cup.

Lineker will also be the face of BBC Sport's FA Cup coverage in the 2025-26 season and will keep presenting his widely listened to Match Of The Day: Top 10 podcast on BBC Sounds. Additionally, the broadcaster will host The Rest Is Football podcast produced by Lineker's own Goalhanger Podcasts, with weekly episodes set to land on the platform.

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Speaking about his SPOTY departure, a BBC spokesperson revealed: "We can confirm Gary has decided to step down from the team presenting BBC Sports Personality Of The Year. After 23 years, last year's 70th anniversary was his final show."

Reports emphasise that Lineker's decision wasn't influenced by recent contract negotiations that ensure his participation in live football presentations on the BBC through to the post-2026 World Cup era. This update follows previous speculation covered by BBC News indicating the ex-Leicester City star was willing to extend his commitment to MOTD, but was ultimately not offered a new agreement.

Following the announcement of his new contract, Lineker said: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen." Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "Gary is a world-class presenter and 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.

"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."

Mark Chapman, presenter of Match Of The Day 2, and Scott, presenter of Football Focus, are among the favourites to replace Lineker on MOTD.