Leicester’s Unlikely…

Leicester’s Unlikely…

Ten years ago, Leicester City was on the brink of achieving the most extraordinary Premier League title win in history. Under the guidance of the unparalleled Claudio Ranieri, the Foxes clinched the title with weeks left in the season, finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal in second place.

Leicester’s incredible triumph will be remembered. But what about the players who made it happen? Here’s an update on the key contributors, from stars like Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez to other essential members like Shinji Okazaki and Jeffrey Schlupp.


Goalkeeper: KASPER SCHMEICHEL

Age: 38
Leicester City career: 2011-2021
Currently playing? Yes

Contributions at Leicester: After joining from Leeds United in 2011, Schmeichel, the son of legendary Danish keeper Peter Schmeichel, developed his skills in Manchester City’s youth ranks. He joined Leicester and quickly became a key player, starting all 38 matches in the championship-winning season and conceding only 36 goals.

Where is he now? Schmeichel led Leicester to the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals in his final season with the club before moving to Nice in Ligue 1 and later Anderlecht. As of summer 2024, he signed with Celtic, where he continues to play as the first-choice keeper and won the league and cup double in 2024-25.

Right Back: DANNY SIMPSON

Age: 38
Leicester City career: 2014-2019
Currently playing? No

Contributions at Leicester: Simpson played a crucial role during the title-winning campaign, making 62 appearances under Ranieri. He joined Leicester just in time during the summer transfer window and quickly became the first-choice right back, helping solidify the defense.

Where is he now? Following his retirement in summer 2024, Simpson played for Huddersfield Town, Bristol City, and Macclesfield. He also participated in a boxing match, earning a split draw against YouTube star Danny Aarons in August 2024.

Center Back: ROBERT HUTH

Age: 41
Leicester City career: 2015-2018
Currently playing? No

Contributions at Leicester: Huth joined Leicester on loan from Stoke City before securing a permanent deal. He was a key figure in the central defense during the title-winning season, making 35 league starts.

Where is he now? Huth retired on January 11, 2019, due to recurring injuries after winning the league.

Center Back: WES MORGAN

Age: 41
Leicester City career: 2012-2021
Currently playing? No

Contributions at Leicester: After joining from Nottingham Forest, Morgan became a central figure in defense, contributing to 14 clean sheets during the title-winning season.

Where is he now? Morgan hung up his boots in May 2021 when his contract expired.

Left Back: CHRISTIAN FUCHS

Age: 39
Leicester City career: 2015-2021
Currently playing? No

Contributions at Leicester: Fuchs, who arrived from Schalke 04, took some time to establish himself but ultimately made a significant impact with his defensive workrate and completed tackles during the championship season.

Where is he now? After retiring in 2023 from his time in Major League Soccer, Fuchs has become an assistant coach at Charlotte FC.

Winger: MARC ALBRIGHTON

Age: 35
Leicester City career: 2014-2024
Currently playing? No

Contributions at Leicester: Albrighton’s relentless energy on the right wing played a vital role in supporting the team’s counterattacking style, making him indispensable during their title run.

Where is he now? After a brief stint with West Brom in 2023, Albrighton retired on August 29, 2024.

Midfielder: DANNY DRINKWATER

Age: 35
Leicester City career: 2012-2017
Currently playing? No

Contributions at Leicester: Drinkwater was pivotal in midfield, leading in touches and contributing assists. He helped anchor the team both defensively and offensively.

Where is he now? After a fruitful stint with Leicester, Drinkwater moved to Chelsea in 2017 but didn’t replicate his success. Following various loans, he retired in October 2023.

Midfielder: N’GOLO KANTE

Age: 34
Leicester City career: 2015-2016
Currently playing? Yes

Contributions at Leicester: Kante shone as a pivotal player, dominating the midfield with his exceptional defensive skills and relentless energy, leading the league in interceptions and tackles.

Where is he now? Following a successful move to Chelsea, Kante has added to his trophy haul and currently plays for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

Winger: RIYAD MAHREZ

Age: 34
Leicester City career: 2014-2018
Currently playing? Yes

Contributions at Leicester: Mahrez’s skill and creativity on the left wing were instrumental, scoring 17 goals and assisting 11 times during the championship season.

Where is he now? After a successful spell at Manchester City, Mahrez now plays for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where he remains active in 2025.

Forward: JAMIE VARDY

Age: 38
Leicester City career: 2012-2025
Currently playing? Yes

Contributions at Leicester: Vardy’s story from a construction worker to a Premier League star is legendary. During the title-winning season, he scored 24 goals and provided six assists, showcasing his relentless pressing and goal-scoring ability.

Where is he now? Following his final season with Leicester in 2024-25, Vardy signed a one-year deal with Italian club Cremonese on September 1, 2025.

Forward: SHINJI OKAZAKI

Age: 39
Leicester City career: 2015-2019
Currently playing? No

Contributions at Leicester: While often overshadowed, Okazaki’s industrious play and ability to create space were essential to the team’s dynamic, contributing five goals during the title run.

Where is he now? Post-Leicester, Okazaki’s career was less impactful, moving between clubs and eventually retiring in February 2024 after a brief stint in Belgium.


Notable Bench Players

Players who made at least five Premier League appearances are included below, qualifying them for a winner’s medal.

No goalkeeper is mentioned due to Schmeichel’s full participation: Mark Schwarzer was the backup keeper for that season, signing a short-term contract.

Right Back: RITCHIE DE LAET

De Laet played 12 league matches as a backup to Simpson during the title run. After leaving Leicester, he experienced various loan spells and eventually retired in 2024.

Midfielder: ANDY KING

King, 36, joined Leicester’s academy at 16, appeared 379 times for the club, and set a unique record as the only player to win league titles in the Premier League, Championship, and League One.

Mr. Reliable: JEFFREY SCHLUPP

Schlupp’s versatility allowed him to play multiple positions for Leicester, contributing significantly during the title run. After a successful spell with the Foxes, he currently plays for Norwich City.

Winger: DEMARAI GRAY

Gray joined Leicester mid-campaign, providing a quick attacking option. He has since played for various clubs and currently features for Birmingham City.

Winger: NATHAN DYER

Dyer’s impact was limited but memorable, scoring a crucial late goal. He retired in July 2021.

Defender: DANIEL AMARTEY

Amartey made five appearances off the bench during the title run and has seen his playing time decrease before moving abroad.

Midfielder: GOKHAN INLER

The Swiss international struggled for game time but managed to earn a winner’s medal. He retired in 2024 and now serves as Udinese’s technical director.

Forward: LEONARDO ULLOA

Ulloa was a vital reserve striker, contributing six goals to Leicester’s title-winning effort.