Jamie Vardy, the man who defied all odds and led Leicester City to one of football’s greatest fairytales, is officially set to leave the club at the end of the season—marking the end of an unforgettable 13-year journey.
Signed for just £1 million from non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy’s story is one of grit, resilience, and pure football magic. From the fifth tier of English football to Premier League champion and Golden Boot winner, the 38-year-old leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
Vardy became the club’s all-time leading scorer in the modern era with 198 goals in all competitions. But his crowning achievement came in the 2015–16 season when he led Leicester to a miraculous Premier League title win, beating 5,000-1 odds and shocking the world.
“Gutted that this day has come,” Vardy said in a heartfelt farewell statement. “I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club… It’s finally time to call it a day which I am devastated about, but I think the timing is right.”
Though Leicester’s current campaign ends in relegation, Vardy still has five games to chase down the 200-goal mark—an achievement that would put the final polish on an already glittering career.
Known for his electric pace, relentless pressing, and never-say-die attitude, Vardy became a Premier League terror—breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record by scoring in 11 consecutive games during the title-winning run and bagging 143 top-flight goals overall.
He also claimed the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2019–20 season with 23 goals, becoming the oldest player to win the award at 33.
Beyond goals and trophies, Vardy brought spirit, heart, and belief to Leicester—a city that now calls him a legend.
“Jamie is unique. He’s a special player and an even more special person,” said Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. “He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City.”
Though his playing days at the club are ending, Vardy promises this isn’t goodbye forever. “You’ll see me again, I promise,” he said. And you can bet Leicester fans are already saving him a seat in the club’s hall of legends.
