The BBC has officially announced the trio who will take over as hosts of the beloved football program, Match of the Day, following the departure of Gary Lineker this summer.
Starting next season, the iconic spotlight will be shared by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. The landmark change means that, for the first time in the history of Match of the Day and its sister show, Match of the Day 2, the role of lead presenter will be held collaboratively by three hosts. Notably, this addition comes as the BBC expands its football portfolio with new Champions League highlights from Match of the Day.
After a remarkable 26 years at the helm of the show, Lineker will step down but remain linked to the channel, overseeing coverage of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
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Gabby Logan, established voice in rugby and athletics for the BBC, expressed her excitement, saying: “It’s a profound moment to sit in this chair with so much heritage behind you. Match of the Day remains a culturally significant show, still engaging and widely discussed, even as viewing habits evolve. My priority is to ensure we build on its legacy while remaining true to what fans want—presenting goals, incidents and these. unforgettable moments that define the game.”
Welcoming the opportunity, Kelly Cates—who continues her work with Sky Sports—shared: “When this intro music plays, it will be an unforgettable moment. Having worked with many experts in the past, I’m excited to start with this fantastic team working alongside Gabby and Mark, while embracing digital transformation, promises an exciting full package for fans.”
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Mark Chapman also spoke, emphasizing that their mission goes beyond just the three of them. He said: “It’s not just about us; it’s about teamwork, encompassing our experts, editors, analysts and the entire production team. The essence lies in our uniting department its strengths to offer the best possible content.” Chapman, who will continue to front his regular slots on BBC Radio 5 Live, including the respected Sports Report on Saturdays, expressed his respect for the legacy he is entering into: “Understanding the rich history and legacy of previous presenters humbles me, and I am determined to maintain their exceptional standards.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, underlined his confidence in this new trio of presenters. He said: “These exceptional broadcasters, at the forefront of our football coverage, will be loved by viewers. They demonstrate remarkable skill, ensuring Match of the Day fans get the best analysis on the hottest football topics .”
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Reflecting on Lineker’s incredible contributions over the past two and a half decades, Kay-Jelski commented: “Gary has been an absolute pillar of Match of the Day; his absence will be deeply felt. However, he will remain a part of our universe football during some of the sport’s most significant events.”
There are exciting developments on the horizon for the BBC’s sports programming. Kay-Jelski concluded: “In addition to Match of the Day, we have exciting new initiatives, fresh voices and surprises planned for the 2025/26 season across various platforms, and we can’t wait to unveil them later this year This is a truly exciting chapter for BBC Sport’s football coverage!”
