Breaking: BBC Unveils Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day Replacements, Including Sky Sports Star
Gary Lineker to Step Down as Match of the Day Host, BBC Confirms Three New Presenters
The BBC has announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will replace Gary Lineker as presenters of Match of the Day starting next season.
Lineker, who has held the role for 26 years, will step down at the end of the current season.
Reports suggest the BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, opted not to renew his contract.
Despite this, Lineker will remain with the BBC to cover the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
Chapman and Logan, both seasoned BBC presenters, have previously hosted Match of the Day as stand-ins for Lineker.
Chapman is also the lead presenter for MOTD2.
Alongside Cates, Logan will become one of the first women to permanently hold the Match of the Day hosting position, marking a significant milestone.
Cates, a highly regarded presenter, joins the BBC from Sky Sports, where she hosts Friday Night Football and Saturday Night Football.
She will continue in her Sky role while taking on her new responsibilities at the BBC. Speaking about the opportunity, Cates expressed her enthusiasm:
“Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I know it’ll be an incredible moment.
I’ve worked with many of the pundits before, and they’re fantastic.
I’m excited to begin and to work alongside Gabby and Mark, embracing the digital aspects to offer fans a comprehensive football package.”
Logan shared her thoughts on the iconic role: “It’s always special to sit in the presenter’s chair because of its history and ongoing relevance.
With TV evolving so much, Match of the Day remains central to football coverage.
“There’s a responsibility to respect its traditions while ensuring it continues to evolve.
Fans want the goals, the key incidents, and the moments everyone’s talking about. While we can make tweaks, the heart of the show will always be the football.”
The new trio aims to maintain the show’s legacy while adapting to modern demands, ensuring Match of the Day remains a staple for football fans.
