Gary Lineker made a poignant farewell during his last hosting of BBC's Match of the Day on Sunday night, concluding a remarkable 26-year journey that was marred by controversy. The 64-year-old, who has been synonymous with the beloved football highlights program since 1999, appeared visibly emotional during a tribute segment, expressing gratitude to viewers for their unwavering 'love and support.'

The show concluded with a heartfelt address from Lineker, alongside tributes from football icons such as Pep Guardiola, Virgil van Dijk, Ian Wright, and even Andrea Bocelli. He reflected, 'It wasn't meant to end this way,' and continued, 'Hosting Match of the Day for 25 years has been an absolute privilege. It has been a joyous experience.'

In his closing remarks, Lineker expressed appreciation for his fellow pundits, stating, 'Thank you to all the pundits I've worked with over the years; you've made my job easier. A huge team effort goes into making this show iconic.' He also wished his successors, Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates, the best of luck, assuring viewers that the program is in capable hands.

Lineker's departure followed a controversial social media post where he shared a video from a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer that included an image historically associated with anti-Semitic propaganda. The backlash was immediate, with BBC insiders deeming it 'the final straw' in a series of impartiality issues. BBC Director-General Tim Davie confirmed that Lineker would step back from presenting duties after this season, noting that he acknowledged his mistake.

Lineker will exit the BBC without a financial settlement from his annual salary of £1.4 million. He will not return to host the 2026 World Cup or any future BBC sports coverage. His departure also signifies the end of a licensing agreement with his Goalhanger Podcasts company, which saw significant success with 400 million downloads last year.

Reports indicate that Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates, and Mark Chapman will take over Lineker's hosting responsibilities on Match of the Day starting next season. They are also expected to lead the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This decision has reportedly been welcomed by BBC staff, with one employee expressing relief over the change.

Lineker's broadcasting career began at BBC Radio 5 Live and included roles on Grandstand before he became the face of Match of the Day. As a former England captain and top striker, he netted 48 goals in 80 international matches and played for clubs like Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona. Despite the circumstances of his exit, his significant contributions to sports broadcasting have been recognized by colleagues and fans alike.