Former England football captain Gary Lineker has made the decision to leave the BBC at the end of the season, following a recent controversy surrounding a social media post that contained antisemitic imagery. Lineker, who is the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, was set to front coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season’s FA Cup, but his final show will be this Sunday’s Match of the Day on the last day of the Premier League season.
In a statement released by the BBC, it was confirmed that Lineker will not be part of the network’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup. This decision comes after Lineker shared an Instagram story about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, which has historically been used as an antisemitic insult. Lineker quickly removed the post and issued an apology, stating that he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic.”
Despite Lineker’s apology, he has decided to step back from his presenting role, acknowledging the error and upset that he caused. In a fresh statement, Lineker reiterated that he did not know about the post’s antisemitic connotations and expressed his deep regret for the incident. He emphasized his love for football and the work he has done with the BBC over the years, stating that consciously reposting anything antisemitic goes against everything he stands for.
BBC director-general Tim Davie praised Lineker as a “defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades” and thanked him for his contribution. Lineker had already planned to end his 26-year tenure as the host of Match of the Day at the end of the season. The 64-year-old earned £1.35 million a year from the BBC and was one of their most recognizable faces.
Lineker’s outspoken views on social media have previously caused tension with BBC bosses due to the corporation’s rules on impartiality. In March 2023, Lineker was briefly taken off air after comparing the language used to launch a British government asylum policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany. He was reinstated shortly after, following a revolt by several of his colleagues in solidarity.
Before his successful media career, Lineker was a global football star, winning the World Cup Golden Boot for England in 1986. After retiring from playing, Lineker became a pundit for the BBC before taking over as the lead presenter for its football coverage in 1999. He is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, known for popular series like The Rest Is History.
While Lineker’s departure from the BBC marks the end of an era, his legacy in football and media will continue to be celebrated. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the impact of social media posts and the responsibility that comes with a public platform.
