BBC announce Gary Lineker's replacements on Match of the Day
Gary will step down at the end of the season
Last updated 15th Jan 2025
After 25 seasons, pundit Gary Lineker announced last year that he will be stepping down from his presenting duties on popular show Match of the Day. The 63-year-old will remain on the show until the end of the current 2024/2025 season.
Despite leaving his role on MOTD, BBC bosses have confirmed that Gary will continue to host coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026.
Gary said: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen."
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: "Gary is a world-class presenter, and we're delighted that he'll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.
"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. 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."
Who will replace Gary on Match of the Day?
On Wednesday 15th January, BBC bosses announced that Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will replace Gary on the popular football highlights show.
For the first time in the show's history three presenters will share the role.
Gabby Logan said: "It’s always a real moment sitting in the chair because it has such history. It’s still so relevant to so many people now and talked about in a landscape where TVs changed so much.
“There’s an enormous responsibility to make sure we continue to evolve while at the same time respecting the traditions of Match of the Day. People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments everyone’s talking about, so while we can tinker at the edges, the core is the football.”
Kelly Cates added: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment. I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.
“I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.”
Mark Chapman then said: “This isn’t about the three of us, it’s about the three of us plus our pundits, plus our editors, plus our analysts and stats people and production people, radio and online. Genuinely this is about all of us as a department working together.
When is Match of the Day on TV?
Match of the Day continues every Saturday night, with Match of the Day 2 covering Sunday's Premier League fixtures on Sunday night.
Match of the Day is also available on BBC iPlayer.
Check out which teams your favourite celebs support:
Ant and Dec - Newcastle United
TV presenters Ant and Dec make it no secret that they are beloved Newcastle United fans! The Geordie duo are often spotted at games in the Toon, supporting players like Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento.
Despite missing some games due to their work commitments, the boys are never too far away from their phones watching their beloved team play.
Ed Sheeran - Ipswich Town
Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry Seaborn are massive Ipswich Town supporters, with the pair attending a number of games in the past. In August 2024, Ed become a minority shareholder in Ipswich Town, owning a 1.4% stake! He's even been given a squad number for the 25/26 season!
Will Ferrell - Chelsea
American actor Will Ferrell is a huge Chelsea fan and is often in attendance of games at Stamford Bridge.
Jade Thirlwall - South Shields and Newcastle United
As well as supporting Newcastle United, Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall is often spotted at her local town's football team - South Shields FC.
In August 2020, Jade became the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club, with the club saying: "We are proud to announce that Jade Thirlwall has accepted the role of Honorary President at South Shields Football Club."
Anne Hathaway - Arsenal
Actress Anne Hathaway let slip during an interview in 2024 that she is a huge fan of London club Arsenal. Anne couldn't hide her excitement mid-interview when Leandro Trossard scored a late winner for the Gunners. After the footage went rival, Trossard sent a video message to Anne, leaving her 'shaking'.
AJ Tracey - Tottenham
'West Ten' rapper AJ Tracey is a massive Spurs fan! Not only did he perform at the club's 2019 Nike kit launch, he's also been spotted in the crown and in the dressing rooms, getting photos with former players such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min.
Drake - Chelsea
Drake is a massive Chelsea fan and even had a kick about with the team before a Champions League match back in 2012.
The rapper was later photographed in the dressing room with Chelsea legends such as John Terry, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba.
Aitch - Manchester United
Not only is Aitch good mates with former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, the rapper also launched the club's 2019 home kit!
Perrie Edwards - Liverpool
Despite also having a soft-spot for her hometown team Newcastle United, Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards showed massive support for Liverpool when her fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played for them.
When Liverpool won the Champions League back in 2019, Perrie was pictured celebrating on the pitch with her man, and of course THAT trophy!
Dave - Manchester United
Dave often tweets his love (and frustration) about his beloved team Manchester United, with the 'Location' hit maker previously helping the club secure the signing of former player Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
In September 2020, Dave's dreams come true when he played at Old Trafford as part of this year's Soccer Aid game!
Jess Glynne - Arsenal
Jess Glynne has a massive passion for football, and in particular her beloved Arsenal! Back in 2015 the club gave Jess a VIP tour around the Emirates after discovering she was such a big fan!
Jess also performed at Wembley Stadium ahead of Arsenal's FA Community Shield game against Chelsea back in August 2015. She's now dating former Arsenal Ladies player Alex Scott.
Prince William and Prince George - Aston Villa
Prince William and his eldest son Prince George are massive fans of Aston Villa! The dad-and-son duo often attend games together, with Prince William even sharing a message on social media when his team qualified for the Champions League!
Stormzy - Manchester United
Another huge star that supports the Red Devils is Stormzy! As well as attending the club's end of season party, the 'Vossi Bop' singer has been down at the training ground a number of times!
KSI - Arsenal
YouTuber KSI is a massive Arsenal fan, with the rapper featuring a lot on AFTV. KSI also gets some of the players involved on his own YouTube channel, playing FIFA against the likes of Mesut Özil.
In 2022, KSI's popular drink PRIME partnered with Arsenal.
Sylvester Stallone - Everton
Legendary actor Sylvester Stallone is a fan of Merseyside club Liverpool. Sylvester has a close friendship with club's former director Robert Earl, and has been spotted a games before! He even once expressed his regret in not buying the club when he had the chance.
Nathan Dawe - Aston Villa
DJ Nathan Dawe is a lifelong Aston Villa fan, so it's no surprise he was over the moon with the club's recent success.
Noel Gallagher - Manchester City
Musician Noel Gallagher is a Manchester City fan through and through. Despite opting not to join in with the Poznan as Man City beat Fulham during the 23/24 season, Noel is often seen in the crown at games, as well as joining the players on their celebratory tours.
Noel's brother and fellow Oasis star Liam is also a big City fan!
Big Zuu - Liverpool
Rapper Big Zuu is a huge fan of Liverpool! He was invited to a number of games during the 2019 season, as well as filming content with former players such as Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Young T & Bugsey - Arsenal and Manchester United
They are the best of friends but when it comes to football Young T & Bugsey have a major rivalry! Whilst Young T is a huge Arsenal fan, Bugsey's loyalties are with Manchester United.
Sam Fender - Newcastle United
Born in North Shields, it's no surprise 'Seventeen Going Under' singer Sam Fender is true Geordie! Sam has adored Newcastle United since he was a little boy and in 2023 his dreams came true when he played a number of sold-out shows at his beloved St James' Park. Sam is often at the stadium and even featured in the promo for the 25/26 kit launch.