Mark Chapman has been confirmed as one of the new presenters of the iconic BBC programme Match of the Day, stepping up to share hosting duties with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan as the legendary Gary Lineker bows out after 26 years at the helm.
Lineker announced last month his decision to leave the show after this season, concluding an illustrious tenure dating back to 1999. Although he will no longer host the Saturday night football highlights show, the former England striker will continue to lead the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup and will anchor the coverage for the 2026 World Cup.
Alan Shearer, who has been a regular pundit on the show alongside Lineker, expressed his support for Chapman shortly after the announcement of Lineker’s departure. Shearer remarked, “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].” Shearer acknowledged the challenge of filling Lineker’s shoes but remained optimistic about Chapman’s abilities. “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.”
Shearer wasn’t alone in his admiration for Chapman; former Liverpool and Fulham player Danny Murphy also weighed in with praise. Murphy stated, “The obvious candidate to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day for me is Mark Chapman. He’s worked on Match of the Day 2 for a long time, and he’s brilliant at his job.” Earlier this week, Murphy described Chapman as “calm and comfortable” and knowledgeable about football, stating, “Presenting is more difficult than people think; anyone who has the ability and confidence to sit in the presenter’s seat deserves admiration, and I think Chapman is the standout candidate.”
Joining Chapman will be Kelly Cates, who has also made her mark as a prominent sports presenter. Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, is set to transition from her current role at Sky Sports to take on the new challenges presented by Match of the Day. Her experience as one of the key presenters for Sky Sports has only solidified her reputation within the sports broadcasting community.
Meanwhile, Gabby Logan, another seasoned presenter, will round out the presenting team. Logan has extensive experience with live sports coverage, having been involved with both the BBC and ITV, making her presence invaluable to the upcoming trio. With such capable individuals forming the new team, fans of Match of the Day can expect fluid transitions and engaging coverage as they navigate the football highlights.
According to reports, the new presenting arrangement is set to take effect for the 2025/26 season. It reflects the shifting dynamics of sports broadcasting and the need for varied hosting styles to invigorate the long-standing format of the show. While Lineker’s departure marks the end of an era, it opens the door for fresh perspectives and approaches to covering football.
Shearer, reflecting on Lineker’s immense contributions, noted, “It’s incredible to think he has been associated with such an iconic show for so long and performed at such a high level. He will be missed; it’s going to feel different without him.” Many viewers of Match of the Day echo Shearer’s sentiments, as Lineker has been synonymous with the programme for decades.
The impending changes are emblematic of the evolution within the BBC and its programming strategy; viewers can anticipate engaging discussions and dynamic presentations as the new team embarks on this chapter. Excitingly, the way football is both presented and perceived may transform under the familiar yet fresh approach of Chapman, Cates, and Logan.
Despite the high-profile changes, the spirit of Match of the Day is expected to remain unchanged. Shearer ended his thoughts by expressing confidence, remarking, “Match of the Day is huge, and it will undoubtedly continue on its path.” With such capable talent stepping up, it is clear the show’s legacy is poised to thrive even as new faces emerge.