Gary Lineker’s replacement on Match of the Day? Alan Shearer names ‘logical’ successor to ex-England striker as ‘iconic’ Premier League highlights show makes first hosting change in 25 years

Lineker announced his decision to leave the BBC's famous highlights show, Match of the Day, having spent 25 years as the lead anchor. The BBC are now on the hunt for a perfect replacement for the well-loved England legend and Premier League icon Shearer has named Mark Chapman as a "fine choice" to succeed Lineker.

Speaking to The Mirror, Shearer said: "Chappers does Match of the Day 2, so I guess if you're looking at it logically, then he would have to have a real live chance of coming over to the Saturday, or doing both [shows].

"I don't know, though - I haven't spoken to anyone about it. Whoever it is, they've got big shoes to fill obviously, but yeah, the show goes on. Someone will come in and present it and if it is Chappers then he will do a great job, I'm sure."

Although he will no longer host Match of the Day's weekly highlight show in 2025-26, Lineker will continue to front the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup and the FA Cup the following season. Meanwhile, Shearer will be part of the new era moving forward for Match of the Day alongside the rest of the team that will host the show.

The England legend is unlikely to take up any new hosting positions any time soon as his podcasting business has been exceeding expectations. According to Podwatch [via The Sun], Lineker's Goalhanger Podcasts tops the UK podcast charts with The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Entertainment, while The Rest Is Politics: US comes in at number six and The Rest Is Football at number twenty. Goalhanger has 12 podcasts, five of which are in the top 100.