Gary Lineker has announced the timeframe for concluding his career as a football presenter and pundit.
Lineker, aged 64, had previously revealed earlier this year that he would be leaving his role as host of Match of the Day for the BBC after 26 years.
Regarding his decision to step away from football commentary and presentation.
The former England and Barcelona forward is scheduled to make his final appearance on the football highlights programme on May 25th.
Despite this, he will continue to front the BBC`s live coverage of the FA Cup in the upcoming season and will also lead the presentation for the 2026 World Cup finals.
However, Lineker has indicated that he does not foresee his punditry career extending beyond that summer, telling The Telegraph that he intends to retire after the tournament.
Once I’ve done the World Cup, I won’t be a football presenter again. I’ll focus more on my podcast empire.
Lineker is a co-owner of the podcast production company Goalhanger Productions, which has experienced significant growth and success since its establishment in 2018.
The company is now recognised as the largest independent podcast producer outside of the United States and features several highly-rated podcasts hosted by well-known personalities.
Notable productions include The Rest is Football, co-hosted by Lineker himself alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, as well as The Rest is Entertainment, a podcast presented by television personality Richard Osman and respected journalist Marina Hyde.
Goalhanger Productions is also home to The Rest is Politics, a prominent political podcast led by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell.
In recent years, Lineker has been outspoken on political issues and has faced criticism for various opinions he has expressed.
Nevertheless, the legendary former footballer has vowed to avoid entering the political arena directly after his punditry career concludes in 2026.
I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have. Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’. I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.
“No offence lads” – Gary Lineker delivers a straightforward verdict on Match of the Day in a memorable farewell message.
Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates, and Mark Chapman are set to take over from Lineker as hosts of Match of the Day starting next season.
