Gary Lineker is reportedly set to leave Match of the Day at the end of the season, meaning the BBC will need to find a new host to replace him. Lineker has presented the iconic highlights programme for over two decades but is set to call it quits next year.
The 63-year-old is expected to step down from his presenting role when the Premier League season draws to a close. He is expected to remain at the BBC to front their FA Cup coverage in addition to hosting live games at the next World Cup in 2026.
The BBC are yet to decide on Lineker’s replacement but several well-known media figures are likely to be in the running. They will certainly have big shoes to fill, meaning it will be crucial for the BBC to make the right appointment.
Express Sport takes a look at four potential candidates to host Match of the Day when Lineker steps aside…
Mark Chapman
Mark Chapman is likely to be among the favourites to step into Lineker’s shoes from next season onwards. The 51-year-old already hosts Match of the Day 2 and has fronted coverage of the NFL and rugby league in the past.
Chapman has been presenting the Carabao Cup on Sky Sports for the last two seasons and is a well-respected broadcaster, making him a solid choice to succeed Lineker in the hotseat.
He was recently put forward as the natural heir by former BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson, who told Metro: « I know there is a lot of speculation over Gary at the moment. Would it surprise me if he left at the end of the season? Possibly no.
« He has earned the right to make his own decision, there is no doubt there whatever. And in Chappers, there is a ready-made replacement if it goes that way. It will be up to Gary. »
Alex Scott
Alex Scott has already followed in Lineker’s footsteps by embarking on a successful TV career following her retirement from football. She has presented Football Focus since 2021 and often features as a pundit on the BBC, covering FA Cup matches.
The 40-year-old became the first female pundit at a World Cup for the national broadcaster in 2018. Later that year, she became the first female pundit on Sky Sports when she joined the Super Sunday team.
Scott has been a regular presenter at the Sports Personality of the Year awards since 2020. She also features as a pitchside reporter on the EA FC football video game series, formerly known as FIFA.
The former Arsenal defender was given an MBE for services to football in 2017 and continues to pave the way for women in sports broadcasting, a field which has traditionally been dominated by men.
Gabby Logan
Gabby Logan also hails from a sporting background as the daughter of former Wales player and manager Terry Yorath. She is already one of the BBC‘s senior presenters, having fronted live coverage of the Six Nations and London Marathon for many years.
Logan is also the broadcaster’s main athletics host, presenting the World Athletics Championship and Diamond League events. She fronted their live coverage of the Olympics in 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Since 2009, the 51-year-old has been a frequent stand-in presenter on The One Show. She has also been co-presenting the BBC‘s all-new Champions League highlights programme, giving her a taste of what it might be like to host Match of the Day.
Logan certainly knows her football, having previously reported from the England camp at the World Cup in 2010 and forming part of the presenting teams at Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.
Jason Mohammad
Jason Mohammad is another seasoned presenter, having been the host of Final Score since 2013. The Welshman has occasionally fronted Match of the Day but might be in the running to land the gig on a permanent basis when Lineker steps down.
Mohammad has been the co-host of BBC Radio 5 Live’s football phone-in show, 606, since the start of the 2016/17 season. He is also an occasional presenter on 5 Live Sport.
The 51-year-old previously worked on the BBC‘s live coverage of the Six Nations but has not done so following ITV’s acquisition of shared rights in 2016.
He was part of the broadcasting crew at the Olympics in 2016 and has also hosted snooker events, with his sporting expertise potentially making him a good fit to become the new face of Match of the Day.
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