Match of the Day Begins New Chapter Following Historic Presenter Change

The End of an Era for Match of the Day

Match of the Day has been a staple of British football culture since its launch in 1964, and 2025 marks a significant turning point for the iconic programme. Gary Lineker ended his run as the longest-serving presenter of Match of the Day in 2025, bringing to a close 26 years as presenter before he left the BBC in the summer of 2025. His departure represents a watershed moment for the BBC’s flagship football highlights show.

Lineker bid an emotional goodbye as he signed off hosting Match Of The Day after 26 years, saying it had been an ‘absolute privilege’ and ‘utterly joyous’ to front the show. His departure became controversial following a tweet that could be considered anti-Semitic that Lineker explained he had posted in error, leading to an early exit from his BBC commitments.

A Fresh Line-Up Takes the Helm

The BBC has moved swiftly to ensure continuity for the beloved programme. In January 2025, the BBC announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan would share the presenting of Match of the Day, Match of the Day 2 and Match of the Day: Champions League following Lineker’s departure. This trio brings diverse experience and fresh perspectives to the studio.

Football fans across the UK are eagerly tuning in to BBC Match of the Day, with the show kicking off at 22:40 on BBC One, BBC Two (Wales), and available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The programme continues to feature analysis from Danny Murphy, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, among others, maintaining the expert insight viewers have come to expect.

The Show’s Enduring Legacy and Future Challenges

Match of the Day is one of the BBC’s longest-running shows, having been on air since 22 August 1964. In 2015, Guinness World Records recognised it ‘as the longest-running football television programme in the world’. Despite this remarkable longevity, the programme faces modern challenges in an evolving media landscape where highlights are instantly available on social media platforms.

The BBC has secured the programme’s future through commercial agreements. At the end of 2023, the BBC and Premier League agreed on a deal whereby Premier League highlights will be shown on Match Of The Day, Match of the Day 2 and Football Focus up to and including the 2028–29 season. As the new presenting team settles in, Match of the Day continues its mission to deliver comprehensive Premier League coverage to millions of British football fans, proving that whilst presenters may change, the nation’s love for Saturday night football remains unwavering.