Wayne Rooney to feature as pundit in first Match of the Day of the season to start the BBC show’s post-Gary Lineker era

Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney is set to feature as a pundit in the season's first BBC Match of the Day programme this Saturday in the post-Gary Lineker. Lineker announced last year he would be stepping down as presenter of Match of the Day when the 2024-25 Premier League campaign ended. Former understudy Mark Chapman is one of three presenters who will host the show moving forward.

Rooney to feature in first MOTD of the season
Chapman one of three hosts for post-Lineker era
Rooney signed a two-year punditry contract

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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Telegraph, Rooney will feature as a star pundit in the first BBC Match of the Day show of the 2025-26 campaign this Saturday. Mark Chapman, on the other hand, is one of three presenters chosen to host the flagship show alongside Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Tottenham and Three Lions icon Lineker left the show at the end of the 2024-25 campaign as he ended his association with the BBC after nearly 30 years. Lineker has been outspoken in recent years on the podcasts that he fronts and through his social media channels. In an Instagram post earlier in the summer that allegedly led to his early departure from the BBC, the former England international shared a video about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, which is historically considered to be an antisemitic insult.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report added that Rooney will pocket a hefty salary of £400,000 per year as part of the two-year deal he signed with the BBC. He will also feature as a pundit in their coverage of the 2026 World Cup in North America.