Now that Leicester hero Jamie Vardy is saying goodbye after 13 years in, it’s time to look at what has happened to the players who, against all odds, miraculously won the Premier League in the 2015/16 season.
After narrowly avoiding relegation the previous year, Leicester went wild in the 2015/16 season and overran all their opponents to sensationally win the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history – despite being 5000-1 underdogs with the bookmakers before the season.
Read: Real Madrid negotiate what could be one of the most expensive managerial buyouts of all time
Two of the four key players from that team went on to dominate at the very highest level of football, while the other two remained legends and prolific players for Leicester in the years that followed. It was truly an iconic group.
But where are these players now? And where did the rest of the incredible team go? What happened to them after their heroic deed with Leicester? Let’s take a look!
Claudio Ranieri (Manager)
The lovable Claudio Ranieri took over Leicester before the 2015/16 season, and although he didn’t bring in any of the players himself, it was his vision that brought them together as a group and led them to achieve the impossible. He won “Manager of the Month” three times during the season and was of course named “Manager of the Year”.
Where is he now?
Coaches his beloved Roma (for the third time in his career) after coming out of retirement to help them in their time of need.
Kasper Schmeichel (Goalkeeper)
Leicester’s iconic goalkeeper was a beacon between the sticks and followed in his father’s footsteps by winning the Premier League.
Where is he now?
Starting player for Celtic, where he has just won the Scottish league and has a chance to secure a national treble!
Danny Simpson (Right-back)
Simpson is a controversial figure, but on the pitch, this Champions League winner (yes, it’s actually true – look it up!) was a solid and reliable figure on the right side of Leicester’s defence.
Where is he now?
Closed in 2024. Last seen in a charity boxing match against YouTuber Danny Aarons with his Premier League winner’s medal on the line. The game ended in a draw.
Robert Huth (Centre-back)
Another player with questionable morals, Huth was a gigantic veteran who learned his defending as a reserve during Jose Mourinho’s league championship with Chelsea. Huth became the seventh player to win the multi-club Premier League when Leicester claimed the title, and his experience played a big role.
Where is he now?
Retired in 2018 after injuries put an end to his career.
Wes Morgan (Centre-back, captain)
Legends like Messi, Pelé, Xavi and Zidane aside, it’s hard to find a more inspiring four-year term than the one Wes Morgan had from 2012 to 2016.
Morgan became Leicester captain in 2012, won the Championship in 2014, survived the relegation battle in 2015 and then led Leicester to Premier League glory in 2016 – all while playing every second of the season! He was also named the Premier League Team of the Year as an added reward.
Where is he now?
Retired in 2021 after 10 years and 323 games for Leicester, where he also helped “The Foxes” win the FA Cup in 2021!
Christian Fuchs (Left-back)
An inlay machine! Fuchs was a rock-solid contributor to Leicester’s championship and delivered four assists from left-back.
Where is he now?
Retired in 2023 after playing for FSA Pro, a team he owns and operates in Fox Soccer Academy.
Riyad Mahrez (Wing)
Mahrez was signed for just £450,000 – one of the best scouting successes of the modern era (but only the second best in this team!). He was crucial to Leicester’s victory.
For his epic performances, Mahrez was named to the Team of the Year, named both “Players’ Player of the Year” and “Fans’ Player of the Year”, as well as winning the two major African Player of the Year awards.
Where is he now?
Playing for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabian league after winning almost everything there is to win after leaving Leicester for Manchester City (a treble, Africa Cup of Nations… only the World Cup is missing!). He has established himself as one of the best Premier League players of all time.
N’Golo Kanté (Midfield)
The greatest Scouting triumph in modern times. Leicester signed Kanté for just €8 million from Caen to replace Champions League veteran Esteban Cambiasso. It went pretty well.
Kanté was so good in midfield that Leicester often felt like they were playing with three men there, even though it was actually two.
Where is he now?
Plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Kanté, like Mahrez, left Leicester and became one of the world’s best players. He won the Premier League two years in a row (with Chelsea in 2017), the Champions League in 2021, the Europa League in 2019, the Nations League in 2021 and the World Cup in 2018 with France.
Danny Drinkwater (Midfield)
While Kanté was an energy bomb, Drinkwater was the more stable force in midfield. He tackled hard and played precise passes all over the pitch.
Where is he now?
Quit in 2022 after only 75 games after his move to Chelsea in 2017 – not because of injuries, but because it simply didn’t work out. A warning that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Marc Albrighton (Wing)
While Mahrez was magical on the right wing, Albrighton was more industrious on the left. He ran up and down the sideline and threw cross after cross.
Where is he now?
Folded in the summer of 2024 after helping Leicester get promoted back to the Premier League in his 10th season with the club.
Shinji Okazaki (Striker)
The Japanese striker was a pressing legend for Leicester. His energy and link-up play confused his opponents. Although he only scored five goals in the championship season, four of them were crucial to securing points.
Where is he now?
Quit in 2024 after stays in Spain and Belgium. He finished his career as Japan’s third-highest scoring international ever with 50 goals.
Jamie Vardy (Lead)
A living legend himself. Vardy joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town in non-league and is perhaps the third biggest scouting success in English football. He became Leicester’s top scorer with 24 goals when they won the series.
Vardy won the “FWA Footballer of the Year” and was the fourth and final Leicester player to make the team of the year.
Where is he now?
Still at Leicester, but has just announced that he will leave the club after this season – his 13th in a Leicester shirt. He has 198 goals in 496 appearances for the Foxes and has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and Championship twice.
He will retire as Leicester’s fourth all-time winningest player and third highest scorer. Not bad for a £1 million signing from Fleetwood Town!
What happened to the rest of the squad?
- Marc Schwarzer: Retired in 2016 after winning the title.
- Ritchie de Laet: Retired in 2024 after stints at Aston Villa and Royal Antwerp.
- Ben Chilwell: On loan to Crystal Palace from Chelsea.
- Jeffrey Schlupp: On loan to Celtic from Crystal Palace.
- Andy King: Coach of Leicester’s first team after retiring in 2024.
- Demarai Gray: Plays for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
- Leonardo Ulloa: Retired in 2021 after stays in Mexico and Spain.
An incredible journey for a team that made football history! 🏆
Read on Sporten: Liverpool fans in slight shock when they discovered Arne Slot’s real name
