Gary Lineker to step away from hosting Match of the Day at end of season
"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD," said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport.
"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."
The former England striker has been a TV regular since he retired from football and will have presented 25 seasons of Match of the Day
"It's been a big part of my life right from the start, I watched it as a kid," Lineker admitted.
"I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now".
According to reports from The Sun, Lineker will be leaving the BBC altogether after the 2026 World Cup - which he will still be hosting for the broadcaster, as well as the 2025/26 FA Cup.
The news follows ongoing contract negotiations between Lineker and the BBC, which began in October.
"The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup," the BBC said, while also confirming his tenure with Match of the Day was ending.
Adding to the news, Lineker confirmed that he was pleased to continue with the company in some capacity.
"I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen," he said.
The 63-year-old presenter has acknowledged the need to slow down at some point in his career.
Lineker has been a prominent figure at the BBC since 1999, hosting Match of the Day and presenting major sporting events like the World Cup and European Championships, as well as Sports Personality of the Year.
He is also one of the corporation's highest-paid stars, earning over £1.3 million annually.
While Lineker has had a successful career as a broadcaster, he has also faced controversy due to his social media activity.
Last year, he was briefly suspended by the BBC following a post about the UK's asylum policy. This incident led to a review of the BBC's social media guidelines, which now allow high-profile presenters to express views on issues and policies but prohibit political campaigning.
Before his broadcasting career, Lineker was a highly successful footballer, representing England and clubs including Leicester, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona.
