Gary Lineker breaks down in tears on Match of the Day farewell

Irish Daily Mirror

26-05-2025

Gary Lineker was moved to tears as his tenure on Match of the Day concluded with a heartfelt tribute led by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the studio.
A comprehensive video was shown, starting with his footballing days that saw him shine at Barcelona. Post-retirement, it traced his journey as a presenter, where he had the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the legendary Des Lynam.
Several of his colleagues - Richards, Shearer, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - all honoured Lineker both as a mate and a presenter.
His children also shared their thoughts, highlighting his qualities as a father as well as a broadcaster.
Notable figures like Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk also paid their respects.
Richards stated: "When you think of Match of the Day, you think of Gary Lineker" while Shearer asserted: "He loves it, it means the world to him.", reports the Mirror.
The renowned Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, also paid tribute. He is best known for the iconic song "Time to Say Goodbye."
Lineker's final words were: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with over the years, you've made my job a lot easier."
He also quipped: "Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits".
BBC presenter Gary Lineker's tenure has been cut short following a backlash to his social media activity. His final appearance on Match of the Day took place on Sunday.
Lineker had been a mainstay of the Premier League highlights programme for over 20 years, but his departure brings an end to an enduring relationship with the broadcaster.
Hosting his final show, he quipped, "it wasn't meant to end this way", referencing both the Premier League season and his own BBC exit. The opening credits included a montage of Lineker's football career.
Throughout his time at the BBC, the 64 year old had faced calls for dismissal, notably after posting criticism of the Government on social media. However, it was his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict that led to his eventual departure.
Lineker recently faced criticism for sharing a Palestine Lobby post on Instagram that featured a picture of a rat, with the Campaign Against Antisemitism subsequently calling for his dismissal.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie stated: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season."
Lineker released a personal statement, admitting: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
"However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."