Gary Lineker, who has been at the helm of Match of the Day since 1999, will conclude his role at the end of the current season. He will, however, continue to be involved with the BBC, presenting live FA Cup matches in the 2025/26 season and covering the 2026 World Cup.
Kelly Cates, 49, is set to join the BBC from Sky Sports, where she has been a prominent figure in football broadcasting. Daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, Cates has previously worked with the BBC on Radio 5 Live and is recognised for her insightful coverage and engaging presenting style.
Mark Chapman, 51, has been with the BBC since 1996 and is currently the main presenter of Match of the Day 2, a position he has held since 2013. Known for his versatility, Chapman also covers a range of sports, including rugby league and American football, and hosts Sports Report on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Gabby Logan, 51, has been a staple in sports broadcasting, joining the BBC in 2007. She has hosted coverage of major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, and has been the co-host for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year since 2013. Logan has also presented Premier League and Champions League matches for Amazon Prime in recent years.
New squad for next season! ✍️
We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.#MOTD #BBCFootball #KellyCates #MarkChapman #GabbyLogan pic.twitter.com/r8hU5Owm8b
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
The trio will share presenting duties across Match of the Day, Match of the Day 2, and Match of the Day: Champions League. This marks a significant change in the programme’s format, introducing a rotating hosting arrangement for the first time. The BBC aims to bring a fresh perspective to the show while maintaining its longstanding tradition of delivering comprehensive football coverage.
Lineker expressed his thoughts on stepping down, stating, “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.” He added, “I feel this is now the right time. I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
The BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, commented on the new appointments: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup. After 25 seasons, Gary is stepping down from Match of the Day. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.”
The new presenting team is expected to bring a diverse range of experiences and insights to Match of the Day, appealing to a broad audience of football enthusiasts. Their combined expertise and familiarity with the sport are anticipated to uphold the programme’s esteemed reputation as it enters a new era.
