As Gary Lineker prepares to step down from his role as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the season, the BBC is gearing up to find his successor. The former Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur striker, who replaced Des Lynam as the show's host in 1999, sees his contract with the broadcaster expire at the end of the season.
According to the BBC's annual report, published in July, Lineker earned approximately £1.35m during the 2023/24 financial year, making him the highest-paid talent on the company's payroll. With the former England international yet to pen a new deal, speculation about who could fill his shoes has been rife.
Some big names have been heavily linked with the coveted role. So, with that being said, football.london have looked at who could take up the torch and replace Lineker on Match of the Day.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott, a former Arsenal and England player turned broadcaster, is one such candidate. Since retiring in 2017, she has presented The One Show and previously worked with Lineker on the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year show.
The 40-year-old also showcased her dance moves on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and, more recently, has been presenting Football Focus.
Gabby Logan
Gabby Logan, a former gymnast, has often stepped in for Lineker on MOTD and led the BBC’s coverage of the Lionesses' triumphant Women’s Euros campaign in 2023. She's also covered Six Nations rugby and the last four summer Olympic Games for the corporation.
Mark Chapman
Mark Chapman, affectionately known as 'Chappers', is the regular face of Match of the Day 2, which features highlights of Sunday's Premier League action. He's also a key figure in the BBC’s radio football coverage, presenting Sports Report on 5 Live and the Monday Night Club on the same station.
Jason Mohammad
Jason Mohammad began his career with the BBC in 1997 and continues to host the Final Score show every Saturday afternoon. Frequently stepping in for Lineker and Chapman on both Match of the Day shows, the Welsh presenter is among the top earners at the BBC.
Kelly Somers
Kelly Somers became the sixth woman to present an edition of Match of the Day in 2020 and she's held various roles across the BBC. A regular face during England's men's matches at the 2020 Euros and the 2022 World Cup, the 33-year-old has led Channel 4's coverage of the national team for the past two years.