Gary Lineker announces next managerial job after Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker has announced he will be becoming a manager for the first time ever ahead of leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season.

Lineker, along with other football icons including Robert Pires, Luis Figo and Freddie Ljungberg will be managers of teams in the new the 'Baller League'. The Match of the Day presenter, who will be stepping down from his job on the Premier League highlights show at the end of this season, will be joined by Micah Richards and Alan Shearer in the dugout.

YouTuber's iShowSpeed and KSI will be spearheading the new division which will see stars manage 12 teams in the UK during 2025. KSI will be the president of the UK league while iShowSpeed shall hold the same position in the United States.

Explaining the concept of the Baller League, Baller League CEO, Felix Starck said: "Baller League is a brand new way to consume football. We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.

"Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore - thrilling, bold and packed with excitement."

It is understood Starck is looking to create a 'UFC for football' and shall see matches played over the course of shorter 15-minute halves and is aimed at attracting young fans. Teams will be created through a draft system and while offsides and throw-ins shall still be incorporated, new elements such as the 'Gamechanger' and 'Galaxy Minutes', where, during the final three minutes of each half, specific rule changes are implemented, based on a virtual wheel spin, will also be included.

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"The old way of doing football, with exclusive TV deals and a few big clubs, is out of date," Starck concluded. "Baller League is here to make the game exciting, accessible, and real for today’s audiences.

"We want people to love football again – not just as a sport, but as a full entertainment experience." Lineker's involvement comes just weeks after he announced his exit from Match of the Day.

He will remain on the BBC following the end of this campaign, presenting their coverage of the FA Cup as well as the World Cup in 2026.