Gary Lineker fought back tears as he signed off from Match of the Day for the final time last night, bringing an end to his 25-year tenure as the face of the iconic BBC football programme, with his son George since taking aim at the corporation with a pointed message on social media.
The 64-year-old former England striker became visibly emotional during his farewell appearance.
“I don’t know whether I can speak,” Lineker said, struggling to maintain his composure as he delivered his final sign-off to viewers.
The footballing legend described his time hosting the show as “an absolute privilege” and “utterly joyous” as he bid farewell to the programme he has fronted for a quarter of a century.
His departure follows a social media controversy that led to his early exit from the BBC, where he had been one of the broadcaster’s most recognisable sports presenters.
Lineker’s early departure from the BBC came after he shared a social media post about Zionism featuring a depiction of a rat, which is historically considered an antisemitic insult.
The controversy forced the presenter to apologise and ultimately cost him his job presenting the 2026 World Cup for the BBC.
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The incident marks the second major social media row involving Lineker in recent years, following previous tensions with the broadcaster over his online comments.
His final appearance on Match of the Day was marked by tributes from colleagues and a video message from Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, as the programme bid farewell to its longest-serving host.
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards presented Lineker with a Match of the Day cap and Golden Boot during the emotional send-off.
Following his father’s final appearance, Gary Lineker’s son George took to social media to share a string of supportive posts celebrating his dad’s career.
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George posted a clip of Gary’s emotional sign-off with a goat emoji, shorthand for “greatest of all time”, alongside several photos of the former footballer over the years.
Prior to the episode airing, George shared an image of his father in a commentary studio with the caption: “Enjoy your last MOTD Gaz [goat emoji].”
He added, in a pointed message: “Best there is. Best there will be.”
When news of Gary’s departure from the BBC first emerged, George had shared more images supporting his father, writing: “Proud of you Gaz – 25 years at the top of your game. Match of the Day won’t be the same without you. The best there is. The best there will be.”
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Reports suggest that Lineker’s departure was preceded by tensions with BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.
According to The Sun, Lineker made his feelings towards Kay-Jelski clear in the days before his exit was announced.
At the FA Cup final, which took place just days before his departure was confirmed, Lineker reportedly snubbed Kay-Jelski by walking away without speaking when the BBC boss approached him.
The source claimed: “By the end of Gary’s tenure at BBC Sport he didn’t have much time for Alex.”
Lineker is said to have made remarks about Kay-Jelski within earshot of colleagues, with the source adding: “It’s clear there’s no love lost. Gary is really well liked and there are plenty of people who joked that they agreed with what he said.”
Lineker’s final sign-off was filled with emotion as he thanked his colleagues and viewers for their support over the years.
“Alan and Micah, I suspect our paths will cross again very shortly,” he said before addressing the camera directly.
He continued: “Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years, you’ve made my job so much easier.”
Lineker also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes team, saying: “Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits.
“I’d like to wish Gabby, Mark and Kelly for when they sit in this chair – the programme is in the best of hands.”
“Thank you for all of your love and support over the years. It’s been so special – and I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye. Goodbye.”
