Jamie Vardy’s Leicester Farewell: End of an Iconic Era
After 13 remarkable years, Jamie Vardy is set to leave Leicester City at the end of the 2024–25 season, drawing the curtain on one of the most inspirational football stories of the modern era. The 38-year-old striker, who once played non-league football with Fleetwood Town, departs the King Power Stadium as a club legend, a Premier League champion, and Leicester’s all-time leading Premier League scorer.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Jamie Vardy poses among trophies as Leicester City announce that he leaves the club on April 24, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
In this tribute, we count down 7 unforgettable moments that define Jamie Vardy’s Leicester legacy.
7. The £1 Million Gamble from Fleetwood
In 2012, Leicester made a bold move by signing Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood Town for £1 million—then a record fee for a non-league player. Many questioned the deal, but Vardy would silence all doubters in grand style.
6. Breaking Van Nistelrooy’s Record
In 2015, Jamie Vardy wrote his name into Premier League history books by scoring in 11 consecutive matches, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record. The moment he netted against Manchester United to seal the feat remains one of Leicester’s most celebrated nights.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates after he completes his hat trick to make it 4-0 during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester City at King Power Stadium on December 10 , 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
5. Premier League Champion (2015–16)
The impossible dream came true. Leicester City, 5,000/1 outsiders at the start of the season, clinched the Premier League title in 2016. Vardy was instrumental, scoring 24 goals, and forming a lethal partnership with Riyad Mahrez.
Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy rounds Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to score his side’s third goal during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
4. First FA Cup Title (2021)
Vardy’s journey with Leicester wasn’t just about the Premier League. In 2021, he helped the Foxes win their first-ever FA Cup, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the final. Though he didn’t score, his movement and experience guided the team throughout the campaign.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester City at the King Power Stadium on December 10, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
3. Golden Boot Winner (2019–20)
At 33 years old, Vardy became the oldest player ever to win the Premier League Golden Boot, finishing the 2019–20 season with 23 goals. It was a testament to his fitness, consistency, and hunger—even a decade into top-flight football.
2. Champions League Quarter-Final (2016–17)
In their Champions League debut season, Jamie Vardy scored in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, leading Leicester to a surprising run that ended only at the hands of Atlético Madrid. It was a European adventure powered by Vardy’s relentless energy.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Swansea City at The King Power Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
1. Farewell Match at King Power (May 18, 2025)
The final chapter is set for May 18 against Ipswich Town. Fans will fill the King Power to bid goodbye to their talisman. His legacy is cemented—not just in goals, but in how he elevated Leicester from a Championship club to European contenders.
Despite his departure, Vardy is not retiring. He’s expected to continue playing, with interest reported from MLS, Saudi Pro League, and even a fairy-tale link to Wrexham. While his next move is yet to be confirmed, one thing is clear—Vardy’s hunger for football remains.
Leicester City Reacts
Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha praised Jamie Vardy as “a player like no other” and emphasized that his contributions will “forever be etched in the club’s identity.” The club plans a series of tributes, including a farewell matchday ceremony.
Final Thoughts
From non-league beginnings to Premier League glory, Jamie Vardy’s story is nothing short of legendary. His name will forever be linked with Leicester City’s golden era, and his story will inspire generations of underdogs.