Gary Lineker is set to make his final appearance on Match of the Day this Sunday, drawing the curtain on his BBC career amid a whirlwind of controversy. The football legend, who famously opened his home to a refugee in 2020, has been embroiled in a social media storm and faced allegations of anti-Semitism, leading to the end of his tenure with the broadcaster.

The former England and Barcelona striker had previously announced his departure from Match of the Day in November 2024, while confirming he would still feature in BBC's coverage of the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup. Yet, on the back of the controversy, he is set to leave the corporation for good. Now, it's the heartwarming tale of Pakistani refugee Rasheed Baluch that offers a glimpse into Lineker's true nature. Baluch, who sought refuge after fleeing persecution as a human rights activist in Balochistan, lauded Lineker's "sympathetic and human-loving" character.

"He is friendly and open-minded," Baluch recounted, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received at Lineker's home. "He loved to listen to me when I shared my story about the situation in my country and the plight of my people. Gary was comfortable with my company and conversation. That's why he listened to me attentively.

"Although Gary is a star, he leads a simple life. He is never proud of his status. He is a very sympathetic, caring and human-loving man. He gave me an Oyster card which contained a £100 top-up for my transport to university."

Baluch lavished praise on the exiting Match of the Day sensation, hailing him as a "fantastic cook who served mindblowing meals" during the stay in his plush £4million Surrey residence. In a heartfelt letter to Lineker that the broadcaster later revealed, the law student wrote: "I can never forget your hospitality, love and company that you and your lovely, respectful children gave to me."

Now 64, Lineker himself recounted the encounter, set up by UK charity Refugees at Home, as "hugely positive," expressing gratitude for the experience, providing him with "such a different perspective on life."

Following controversy over impartiality due to a social media post, Lineker released a post slamming the then-government’s asylum policy, he faced a temporary suspension by the BBC in 2023. Upon Lineker’s television comeback, Baluch voiced support, stating: "He has been given the right of freedom, thought and expression. So if the institutions react so negatively against the statement of Gary, it is undemocratic and unfair. Gary has come forward to defend humanity."

As Lineker prepares to present his final Match of the Day show, it was confirmed earlier this month that he is cutting all ties with the BBC following a row over anti-Semitism allegations. The fracas erupted after the English football legend posted an Instagram update concerning Zionism from the Palestine Lobby group, complete with a rat emoji – an icon notoriously utilised as a derogatory symbol against Jews. Amid the ensuing furore, Lineker has now chosen to bow out gracefully.

He declared: "Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week, I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology.

"I would like once again to say I'm sorry for the hurt and the upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. So I think it's best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season's FA Cup or World Cup. The final day of the Premier League season on Sunday will be my last show."