The sports broadcaster and former professional footballer has been hosting the iconic BBC show for 25 years but will relieve his duties when the Premier League concludes in May next year.
The 63-year-old is said to have signed a new 18-month deal to remain with the BBC, though, which will see him anchor the Corporation’s coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup as well as the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
His departure from the BBC’s flagship football show, however, will leave a sizeable hole for the corporation to fill and it will no doubt already be sizing up candidates to replace the former England striker.
At present, the favourite to fill that void is Mark Chapman who represents a familiar face as the current host of Match of the Day 2.
Chapman also anchors Sky Sports’ coverage of the Carabao Cup and has been presenting the new Champions League highlights show launched by the BBC this season.
Should the BBC opt for a fresh look, they may turn to former footballer Alex Scott to become the first female full-time presenter of the show.
Since putting her playing days behind her, Scott has built up an impressive reputation in broadcasting and appears on a number of BBC shows, including Football Focus.
Gabby Logan, 51, is also seen as one of the potential replacements for Lineker having anchored coverage of huge sporting events for the BBC such as the Paris 2024 Olympics and Women’s European Championships.
Jason Mohammed, Dion Dublin and Kelly Somers are also potential names that the BBC may consider to replace Lineker.
Next Match of the Day presenter odds
The favourites to replace Gary Lineker
Odds courtesy of OLBG and subject to change
Mark Chapman: 2/1
Alex Scott: 4/1
Gabby Logan: 6/1
Jason Mohammed: 6/1
Kelly Somers: 7/1
Dion Dublin: 10/1
Jake Ashton, Sports Betting Expert at OLBG, said: ‘Gary Lineker has been presenting Match Of The Day for 25 years and that leaves the BBC with a big decision on the show’s future if Lineker is not in their plans.
‘They might decide continuity is the best policy and stick with one of the other presenters working in Lineker’s orbit.
‘Fan favourite Mark Chapman is also the favourite with the bookies and could be a smart choice to land the big job of hosting Match Of The Day on a permanent basis given his popular stint as anchor of its sister show, MOTD2.
‘Alex Scott on the other hand is a more recent arrival on the Match Of The Day scene and would be a first for the show in many ways if she were to get the job of replacing Lineker.
‘She is second favourite behind Chapman after a stellar career in women’s football and an impressive start to her second career in broadcasting.’
One person who will almost certainly not feature in talks to replace Lineker is former BBC presenter and ex-footballer Jermaine Jenas.
Once seen as a favourite to be the next MOTD host, the former One Show host was dramatically axed by the corporation in August following complaints about workplace conduct.
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