“From Blunder to Brilliance: Gary Lineker Reflects on His Humble Beginnings on Match of the Day”

After an impressive 26-year run as the face of Match of the Day, Gary Lineker is preparing to bid farewell to the iconic show this May. Think about that—more than two decades of highlights, controversies, and the occasional laugh at a blooper reel! Yet, before he became a household name in the world of sports broadcasting, his early venture into the program wasn’t quite the fairy tale you’d expect. Initially, Lineker transitioned seamlessly from player to pundit, stepping into the revered role once held by Des Lynam in 1999— a significant challenge for anyone, especially given the expectations. Ironically, his debut on the show was marred by a glaring blunder that many fans still remember, shaping his early days in front of the camera. As we reminisce about his journey, let’s explore that fateful first experience on the legendary program. You won’t want to miss it! LEARN MORE.

Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day in May, after 26 years as the show’s presenter – but his first experience on the programme went very badly.

Lineker initially became a pundit after retirement as a player, before gaining experience as a presenter and stepping into Des Lynam’s shoes when the legend moved to ITV in 1999.

During his playing days, he’d scored goals galore on the programme during his days with Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Gary Lineker reveals terrible MOTD start

In an exclusive chat with FourFourTwo, Lineker was asked if he had a first memory of watching Match of the Day as a child.

“God, that’s a tough question… do you know how long ago it is since I was a kid?” chuckled the 64-year-old in typical self-deprecating fashion.

The first memories are hazy. “But I’d be allowed to stay up and watch it,” he said. “For me, Saturday nights were Parky, then Match of the Day when David Coleman was presenting.”

A rather more embarrassing moment sprung to mind though for Lineker. “I remember the first time I was on Match of the Day,” he said, recalling his early years as a professional footballer with boyhood team Leicester.

“I had an absolute shocker. In those days, you only got one featured match, and we were playing at Aston Villa.

“The ball got knocked back, I was on the edge of the six-yard box and I skied it over the crossbar. I was praying they wouldn’t show that, but of course they did…”

The legendary Barry Davies on commentary wasn’t impressed. “Must be… oh no! Oh dear, oh dear,” he lamented. Leicester lost 3-1 in that early 1980s showdown.

“When I arrived home that night, I even got the piss taken out of me by my own family for it!” grimaced Lineker.