Gary Lineker, who will leave Match of the Day at the end of this season, BBC News understands, has been the steady hand who guided millions of fans through football's agonies and ecstasies. As host of the flagship show for 25 years,

Gary Lineker, the BBC's highest-paid presenter, is set to quit 'Match of the Day' next year before leaving the BBC after the 2026 World Cup.

Gary Lineker will no longer host the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards, as he continues to distance himself from the corporation. The announcement follows the news that Lineker is standing down as host of Match of the Day and will only extend his contract to cover England games until the end of the 2026 World Cup.