Gary Lineker has said he feels he is no longer “treading on so many eggshells” following his departure from the BBC last year. The former England captain and television presenter stepped down as Match of the Day host in May 2025 after 26 years, following controversy over his political comments on social media.
Lineker, 65, left the BBC after backlash over an Instagram post about Zionism that featured a depiction of a rat, which is historically an antisemitic insult. He will now bring The Rest Is Football, produced by his company Goalhanger Podcasts, to Netflix for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer.
Speaking to the Press Association, Lineker said: “I've got a bit more time, I'm not treading on quite so many eggshells these days, I'm allowed an opinion on things.” He also criticised the BBC’s decision to keep most of its presenters and pundits in the UK until the final week of the World Cup, saying he was “a bit surprised” by the move.
Lineker expressed concerns about the United States co-hosting the tournament due to President Donald Trump’s actions, including the war with Iran, who are competing. He said: “We've got the host nation at war with one of the competing countries. You've got an unpredictable leader.” However, he noted that in his experience, the football usually takes over once the tournament begins.
