As the sun begins to set on Gary Lineker’s tenure as the face of “Match of the Day” (MOTD), a seismic shift of sorts is unfolding within the BBC’s flagship football show.
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker has anchored MOTD for 26 years, bringing charisma, expertise and honest analysis to the Saturday night tradition.
His journey on the program began in 1999, and over the years, he’s become synonymous with MOTD, shaping it into a cultural staple for millions of football fans. Yet, as the 2024-2025 Premier League season comes to an end, Lineker’s departure signals the end of an era.
There are a few reasons that that fuel substantial speculation amidst Lineker’s exit from the show. While the BBC hasn’t cited a specific incident, there have been persistent rumors of strained relations with Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s new Director of Sport.
Reports suggest a push for a “facelift” in BBC sports broadcasting—a fresh direction with a new face at the helm. In a climate of tightening budgets, Lineker’s £1.3 million annual salary has come under scrutiny.
Lineker, meanwhile, isn’t disappearing entirely; he’ll still present the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, but his beloved MOTD role will come to a close.
With Lineker’s exit, the hunt is on for a new host to lead MOTD into its next era, and at the center of this discussion is Mark Chapman.
Both fans of the show and media outlets seem to strongly favour Mark Chapman as the ideal replacement for Gary Lineker.
Mark Chapman, or “Chappers,” as he is affectionately known, is no stranger to sports broadcasting. Starting his BBC journey in the 1990s as a continuity announcer, Chapman quickly became a recognizable voice, particularly on radio.
Despite his foray into television with MOTD2, Chapman still sees himself as a radio presenter at heart, often crediting radio for offering a more fluid and relaxed platform compared to the more structured demands of TV.
His role as the host of MOTD2 has made him a familiar face to football fans, and his easygoing style has endeared him to viewers who appreciate his professionalism and natural rapport with pundits.
Chapman’s versatility extends far beyond football. Over the years, he’s hosted coverage for rugby, NFL, and the BBC’s Monday Night Club on Radio 5 Live. His ability to adapt seamlessly across various sports, including his appearances on Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage, is a testament to his skill in bringing out the best in co-hosts and pundits alike.
Chapman’s potential ascension to MOTD seems like a natural progression, especially for a network looking to maintain continuity without completely overhauling the familiar feel of the show and also looking for an effective cost-cutting solution. A potential look outside might lead to the same cycle of highly paying contracts.
Described as a “safe pair of hands,” he has the experience, poise, and knowledge required to step seamlessly into Lineker’s shoes. He also has the backing of fans and media alike.
Mark Chapman the best successor to Gary Lineker as #MOTD host imho. Good journalist and presenter + rapport with pundits.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 11, 2024
However, appointing Chapman does present some challenges. Given his extensive commitments, particularly his roles in radio and various sports broadcasts, his availability may be an issue. The BBC would need to consider how to balance Chapman’s various roles, especially as he currently juggles multiple shows across platforms.
Losing Chapman from other areas, particularly BBC Radio 5 Live, could be a significant drawback for the network, which relies on him as a versatile broadcaster.
As the BBC grapples with the decision, Chapman’s name stands out, and it’s evident that he’s a frontrunner for the post. If Chapman does take the reins, fans can expect a continuation of how Lineker used to go about MOTD.
As Gary Lineker bids farewell to MOTD, the program faces a crossroads. Mark Chapman, with his wealth of experience, enduring popularity, and easygoing on-screen presence, appears to be the ideal candidate to carry the MOTD torch forward.