Leicester City Football Club has announced that their legendary striker, Jamie Vardy, will depart the club at the end of the 2024-25 season, marking the end of an extraordinary 13-year journey with the Foxes. The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of Leicester’s greatest-ever players, leaves behind a legacy that includes a historic Premier League title, an FA Cup, and a remarkable rags-to-riches story that has captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.
Vardy’s departure comes in the wake of Leicester’s relegation to the Championship, confirmed after a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on April 20, 2025. The loss capped a turbulent season for the Foxes, who struggled under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, losing 16 of their last 18 matches and setting an English record for nine consecutive home league games without scoring. Vardy, whose contract expires on June 30, 2025, will become a free agent, sparking speculation about his next move.
In a heartfelt statement, Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha paid tribute to Vardy’s unparalleled contributions: “Jamie is unique. 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.” The club emphasized that Vardy and his family will always be welcome at King Power Stadium, where fans are expected to give him a grand send-off in the season’s final matches.
Vardy’s journey with Leicester began in 2012 when he joined from non-league Fleetwood Town for £1 million, a transfer that would prove to be one of the most inspired in football history. From his early days in the Championship, Vardy rose to global prominence, playing a pivotal role in Leicester’s miraculous Premier League triumph in 2016 against 5,000-1 odds. His 24 goals that season, including a record-breaking streak of scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League matches, earned him the FWA Footballer of the Year award. In 2019-20, at age 33, he became the oldest player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, and in 2021, he lifted the FA Cup, cementing his status as a club icon.
With 198 goals in 435 appearances, Vardy is Leicester’s all-time leading scorer and a symbol of the club’s golden era. His relentless work rate, predatory finishing, and fiery personality endeared him to fans, while his journey from non-league to England international (26 caps) inspired countless aspiring footballers. Reflecting on his time at Leicester, Vardy said, “Leicester City has been my second home, my extended family, my life for 13 years. The club, the city, the people mean so much to me and my family.”
The 2024-25 season, however, was a stark contrast to Vardy’s storied career. Leicester’s return to the Premier League after winning the Championship in 2023-24 was marred by inconsistency and defensive frailties. Vardy, despite scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 31 appearances, described the campaign as a “total embarrassment” and a “s*** show” in a candid social media post following relegation. He issued an apology to fans, expressing anger and sadness at the team’s performance, which included a club-record eight consecutive defeats.
Speculation about Vardy’s future has intensified, with the striker making it clear he has no intention of retiring. “I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy most, scoring goals,” he stated. Reports suggest interest from Premier League clubs, with former Watford striker Troy Deeney tipping Vardy for a move to a top-flight side like West Ham, where he could serve as a valuable squad player. There have also been links to Wrexham, the ambitious League One club backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, though Vardy has reportedly ruled out joining another English club if he leaves Leicester. Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs Al Shabab and Al-Qadsiyah surfaced in 2023, but Vardy previously rejected a move to Khaleej FC, citing family considerations.
Leicester’s relegation has raised questions about the club’s future, with fans calling for changes in ownership and criticism directed at director of football Jon Rudkin. The club also faces potential sanctions from the EFL over alleged breaches of profitability and sustainability rules, adding to the uncertainty. For now, Vardy’s exit marks the end of an era for a club that defied the odds to achieve greatness.