Gary Lineker reflects on life after the BBC

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleGary Lineker has spoken about his increased freedom since leaving his 26-year role as presenter of Match Of The Day at the BBC last May, stating he is “not treading on so many eggshells these days”. His departure from the BBC followed significant criticism regarding his political commentary on social media, including a controversial Instagram post. Lineker's popular podcast, The Rest Is Football, will become a daily television show on Netflix for the 2026 World Cup, featuring him alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. He expressed surprise at the BBC's limited coverage plans for the upcoming World Cup but clarified his new show would complement, not compete with, their live football broadcasts. Lineker voiced significant apprehension about the 2026 tournament, particularly regarding the US co-hosting and actions by US President Donald Trump, drawing parallels with past controversial World Cups. In fullGary Lineker says he’s ‘allowed an opinion’ after leaving the BBCThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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