60 Years of Match of the Day at the National Football Museum Manchester

MCRJourno

An exciting new exhibition marking 60 years of Match of the Day - the nation’s beloved football show - is set to launch at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

Running from 4th April to 27th July 2025, Match of the Day @ 60 will take visitors on a journey through the show’s rich history, celebrating this landmark anniversary with an in-depth look at its legacy.

Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: "Football means so much to so many people, and few shows have brought the sport into our living rooms for as long as Match of the Day.

"This exhibition honours that legacy and offers both new and long-time fans the chance to learn more about this iconic part of British culture."

Beginning in the 1960s, the exhibition will explore the origins of Match of the Day, featuring rare archival material that uncovers how the programme came to life, including its early days in black and white.

The exhibition will also delve into what the show has meant to football fans over the years, shining a spotlight on the iconic presenters who have shaped its history.

Visitors will also gain a unique behind-the-scenes insight into how the iconic programme is made, from its analysis to its production.

As part of the exhibition, attendees can explore the evolution of football coverage, from the introduction of slow-motion replays to the modern-day use of VAR, demonstrating how MOTD pioneered groundbreaking technologies to ensure its analysis remained top-notch.

Looking to the future, the exhibition will provide an exciting preview of the changes ahead for the programme.

As Gary Lineker steps down after 26 years as presenter, the show will be entering a new era, with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan set to share presenting duties.

Gabby Logan will join Kelly Cates as the first female to hold a permanent presenting role on MOTD.

Steve Lyle, Head of Football at BBC Sport, said: "For over 60 years, MOTD has united football fans across the UK, and continues to be just as cherished today as it was when it first aired."

Admission to Match of the Day @ 60 is included with the standard entry ticket to the National Football Museum, so visitors can enjoy this special exhibition at no additional cost.