David Beckham 'wants to become next Gary Lineker' as shock new career move emerges

reportedly wants to "become the next " as he prepares to launch his own football chat show next month. The and England legend is one of football's most iconic names but since his retirement he has focused mainly on his sponsorship deals and ownership of MLS side .

But now Beckham has waded into a new arena after agreeing to host Beckham & Friends Live, which will air on Paramount+. It will involve the 49-year-old discussing action from the with famous guests .

The show will kick off with the upcoming semi-finals between Inter Milan and and and , before he jets out to the final in Munich on May 31.

Famous faces set to feature on the programme include Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, chef Gordon Ramsay and actors Tom Cruise and .

The format of the show will be a relaxed Champions League "watchalong", where Beckham will sip wine with his guests in a homely studio featuring armchairs, coffee tables and plants.

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According to the Sun, Beckham could gear up for a move into punditry long term and replace Lineker as Britain's favourite football presenter. Lineker stepped down from his role as Match of the Day host at the end of 2024 following more than 25 years in the role.

Beckham - who played 719 times in his career for clubs like United, , AC Milan, PSG and LA Galaxy - is already stepping up his efforts in TV following a successful documentary on that followed his life and career. A source told the Sun that the show will make him an even bigger star than he already is in America.

“He has become a global icon," it said. "Both sides are winners. It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America. It will also bring a lot of viewers in. David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. It will make for great television."

Beckham said of the show: "I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation."

When he previously announced the launch of the show he said he would provide alternative commentary on Champions League games over the next two years, giving a more relaxed take on punditry.

"I love watching the game, and I like watching the game in a certain way, and most of the time it is either with my kids or my friends," he said.

"So it's going to be that kind of thing, where I'm sat there watching the games, commenting on the games, with friends, talking about the game and not sometimes talking about the game."

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