Leicester City Football Club has officially announced that its legendary striker and long-time captain, Jamie Vardy, will part ways with the club at the end of the current season. The 38-year-old talisman, who played a pivotal role in one of football’s most extraordinary fairy tales—the Foxes’ 2015/16 Premier League title triumph—will be leaving the King Power Stadium after 13 unforgettable years.
An End of an Era for Leicester City
In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, Leicester City confirmed the news that their most iconic figure will leave this summer. The announcement comes at a difficult time for the club, which has been relegated from the Premier League. Amidst the disappointment, Vardy’s departure adds an emotional layer to the season’s conclusion.
“We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player,” the club said in an official statement.
From Non-League to Premier League Royalty
Jamie Vardy’s journey is the stuff of legends. Signed in 2012 from non-league side Fleetwood Town for a modest fee of £1 million, many questioned whether the relatively unknown forward could make the step up to professional football. Over a decade later, Vardy leaves the club as a Premier League champion, an FA Cup winner, and a record-breaking goalscorer.
During his 13-year spell at Leicester, Vardy made nearly 500 appearances and found the back of the net 198 times. He is the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, having netted 143 goals in England’s top flight.
The Historic 2015/16 Season
Perhaps Vardy’s most memorable contribution came in the 2015/16 season, when he spearheaded Leicester’s miraculous Premier League title charge. Defying 5,000-1 odds, Vardy scored 24 goals that season, playing a crucial role in the Foxes clinching their first-ever top-flight title.
His explosive pace, tireless work ethic, and deadly finishing made him one of the most feared strikers in the league. That season, Vardy also set a new Premier League record by scoring in 11 consecutive matches—a feat that etched his name in football history books.
More Than Just One Fairytale
Vardy’s contributions to Leicester extended well beyond the title-winning campaign. He was an integral part of the club’s 2020/21 FA Cup-winning team, which defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium. That victory marked Leicester’s first FA Cup triumph in their 137-year history.
He was also part of the squads that competed in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, helping Leicester City carve out a name for themselves on the European stage.
Tributes Pour In From the Club
Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha expressed deep admiration for Vardy, calling him not only a remarkable footballer but an exceptional human being.
“Jamie is unique,” said the chairman. “He is a special player and an even more special person. He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection. I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club.”
Indeed, Vardy’s influence extended beyond the pitch. He was a leader in the dressing room and a role model for younger players. His journey from non-league football to Premier League stardom inspired countless aspiring footballers across the world.
An Emotional Farewell
In a video message shared by Leicester City on social media, Vardy reflected on his time at the club, describing his departure as “devastating,” though inevitable.
“To the fans of Leicester, I’m gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually,” he said. “I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”
Vardy expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Leicester fans throughout his career. “You’ve been with me through thick and thin. I’ll never forget what we’ve achieved together.”
The Last of the Champions
Vardy is the final remaining member of Leicester’s historic 2015/16 title-winning squad still playing at the King Power Stadium. His departure marks the closing chapter of one of the most remarkable eras in English football.
As Leicester City prepares for a new beginning in the Championship, the absence of their talismanic striker will be deeply felt by fans, teammates, and staff alike.