Gary Lineker in Talks with Netflix After Departure from BBC

In late May, Gary Lineker announced his departure from BBC’s Match of the Day (MOTD) after an impressive 25-year tenure. The former Tottenham striker left the organization following the backlash from an Instagram post that included an antisemitic symbol related to Zionism. Recently, The Times reported that Lineker is in discussions with Netflix regarding the presentation of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Brazil. This development comes after Netflix secured the broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups in the United States.

Following his exit from the BBC, the 64-year-old disclosed that his departure was not entirely voluntary. In July, when questioned whether he left by choice or was forced to resign, Lineker responded in an interview with The New World, as reported by The Independent, stating, “the latter.”

He expressed remorse for his actions, clarifying, “I made a mistake and I immediately took it down and apologized, which I thought should have been enough.” At the time of his departure, Tim Davie, the then-director-general of the BBC, acknowledged Lineker’s contributions while referencing his misjudgment. “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season,” Davie stated. He praised Lineker’s influence in football coverage, noting, “His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”

As negotiations with Netflix progress, Lineker will continue to host his well-regarded football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. In addition to football, he is currently the face of ITV’s game show, The Box.