Former England captain Gary Lineker's tenure as the presenter of Match of the Day, the BBC's premier soccer highlights show, will conclude at the end of the current season. — Reuters

Gary Lineker's soccer career was impressive, but it is his off-field endeavors—from TV punditry to his expanding podcast empire—that have elevated him to a national icon. This is why the news of Lineker's 25-year stint as the presenter of Match of the Day coming to an end has dominated British headlines.

The Sun's front page headline on Tuesday read 'What a Finish,' a phrase frequently heard during Lineker's playing days, which included stints at Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur. Lineker, known for his prowess in the penalty area, retired in 1994 after scoring 331 goals in 654 competitive matches, including 48 for England, making him the second-highest goal scorer for his country at the time, behind Bobby Charlton.

Instead of fading into obscurity, Lineker transitioned into a media career that has extended beyond soccer, making him a household name and the BBC's highest-earning presenter. In a world increasingly divided, Lineker has never shied away from voicing his opinions on both domestic and global issues. He was a vocal advocate for the Remain vote during Brexit and has supported immigrants and Palestinians, often clashing with the BBC's impartiality guidelines.

His presenting skills secured lucrative deals with BT Sport for their Champions League coverage, and in 2014, he founded Goalhanger Productions, which produces the popular 'The Rest Is...' podcasts on football, history, and politics. The end of Lineker's playing career coincided with the surge in interest in the Premier League, and his media journey began as a somewhat awkward radio presenter on BBC Radio Five Live. Lineker himself admits his early radio attempts were 'appalling' and that he 'stumbled' through his initial TV appearances. However, the BBC saw potential, and Lineker gradually evolved into his new role.

His understated wit became evident on the sports TV series They Think It's All Over, and in 1999, he was entrusted with hosting Match of the Day following the retirement of the beloved Desmond Lynam. Lineker's insightful commentary and easy rapport with pundits like fellow former England captain Alan Shearer have kept Match of the Day a staple for millions of British viewers despite the proliferation of live TV coverage on subscription platforms.

Lineker expanded his sporting portfolio, leading the BBC's golf coverage and serving as the face of their London 2012 Olympics coverage. He will continue to host the BBC's FA Cup coverage next season and their 2026 World Cup coverage.

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