Who could replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host as the BBC makes bold contract decision

As Gary Lineker prepares to step down from his role as Match of the Day presenter at the end of this season, the BBC is preparing to find his successor. The former England international has been the face of the popular show since 1999 after he replaced Des Lynam.

In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, Lineker was asked if he's considered parting ways with the BBC. Keeping his cards close to his chest, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City striker remained coy.

"I could do," said Linker, as quoted by the Press Association. "Whether that will be the case I don't know. At some point, I have to slow down somewhere... I'm getting old."

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With his contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation has been rife about who could fill his shoes. So, the Manchester Evening News have looked at who could replace Lineker on Match of the Day.

Alex Scott

Alex Scott, who enjoyed a successful playing career with Arsenal before becoming a pundit and host in 2017, is one of the contenders. The 40-year-old has presented The One Show and previously worked with Lineker as a co-presenter on the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year programme.

Scott also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and more recently, she has been presenting Football Focus.

Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan, a former gymnast, has often stepped in for Lineker on MOTD. She also led the BBC’s coverage of the Lionesses' triumphant run in the Women’s Euros in 2023.

Logan has been part of the BBC’s coverage of Six Nations rugby and the last four summer Olympic Games.

Mark Chapman

Mark Chapman, affectionately known as 'Chappers', is the regular host of Match of the Day 2, which features highlights of Premier League action on Sunday evenings. He is also a key figure in the BBC’s radio coverage of football, presenting Sports Report on 5 Live and the Monday Night Club on the same channel.

Jason Mohammad

Mohammad began his career with the BBC in 1997 and continues to host the corporation's Final Score show every Saturday afternoon. As a regular stand-in for Lineker and Chapman on both Match of the Day programmes, the Welsh presenter is one of the BBC's top earners.

Kelly Somers

Kelly Somers became the sixth woman to present an edition of Match of the Day in 2020 and has held various roles across the BBC. A familiar face during England men's matches at the 2020 Euros and the 2022 World Cup, Somers has led Channel 4's coverage of the national team for the past two years.