A decade ago, Leicester City, managed by Claudio Ranieri, starred in one of the most incredible stories in Premier League history. The “Foxes” won the title with several matchdays to spare, surpassing Arsenal by ten points. Here’s a look back at the careers of the footballers who made this feat possible, from figures like Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez to key players like Shinji Okazaki and Jeffrey Schlupp.
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Goalkeeper: KASPER SCHMEICHEL
Age: 38 years oldLeicester City Career: 2011-2021Still active? YesContributions to the team: He arrived from Leeds United in 2011. After several outstanding seasons, Schmeichel was a starter in all 38 matches of the title-winning season, conceding only 36 goals. Currently, Schmeichel is the starting goalkeeper for Celtic, where he won the league and cup in the 2024-25 season.Right-back: DANNY SIMPSON
Age: 38 years oldLeicester City Career: 2014-19Still active? NoContributions to the team: Simpson was a pillar in Ranieri’s scheme, playing 62 games. His defensive solidity made him the starting right-back, playing 30 of the 38 league games in the title-winning season. Currently, Simpson retired in the summer of 2024, after playing for Huddersfield Town, Bristol City and Macclesfield.Central: ROBERT HUTH
Age: 41 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2015-18
Still active? NoContributions to the team: Huth, who arrived on loan in January 2015, formed a solid central defensive partnership with Wes Morgan, being fundamental in the conquest of the title. Currently, Huth retired on January 11, 2019 due to persistent injuries.
Central: WES MORGAN
Age: 41 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2012-21
Still active? NoTeam contributions: Morgan, who arrived in 2012, quickly became a fixture in defense. He played all 38 league games, being an imposing defensive presence. Currently, Morgan retired in May 2021.Left Back: CHRISTIAN FUCHS
Age: 39 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2015-21
Still active? NoContributions to the team: Fuchs, who arrived on a free transfer in June 2015, was a starter in 32 league matches, standing out for his 77 successful tackles. Currently, Fuchs retired in 2023 and works as an assistant coach at Charlotte FC of the MLS.Extreme: MARC ALBRIGHTON
Age: 35 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2014-24
Still active? NoContributions to the team: Albrighton was essential to Leicester’s success, thanks to his tireless work and his ability to generate play on the right wing. Currently, Albrighton retired on August 29, 2024, after a brief stint with West Brom.Midfielder: DANNY DRINKWATER
Age: 35 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2012-17
Still active? NoContributions to the team: Drinkwater was the engine of the team, providing defensive solidity and distribution from midfield. He was the leader in touches and second in assists. Currently, Drinkwater retired in October 2023.Midfielder: N’GOLO KANTE
Age: 34 years oldLeicester City Career: 2015-16Still active? YesContributions to the team: Kante, one of the emerging stars, demonstrated all the skills that made him a globally recognized name. He led the Premier League in interceptions and tackles. Currently, Kante plays for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League.Extreme: RIYAD MAHREZ
Age: 34 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2014-18
Still active? YesContributions to the team: Mahrez was fundamental in the title-winning season, with 17 goals and 11 assists, unbalancing rival defenses with his dribbling and his prodigious left foot. Currently, Mahrez plays for Al Ahli in the Saudi Professional League.
Forward: JAMIE VARDY
Age: 38 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2012-25
Still active? YesContributions to the team: Vardy was a key player in Leicester’s success, with 24 goals and 6 assists in 36 matches. His disruptive playing style and goal-scoring ability were essential for the title. Currently, Vardy plays for Cremonese in the Italian Serie A, after his time at Leicester.Forward: SHINJI OKAZAKI
Age: 39 years oldCareer at Leicester City: 2015-19
Still active? NoContributions to the team: Okazaki, with his energy and work, was a silent hero of the team, creating spaces for his teammates. Currently, Okazaki retired on February 26, 2024.Key Players from the Bench
The following are the players who played five or more matches in the Premier League and therefore received the champion’s medal.Ritchie De Laet: The defender, who played 12 league games, retired in the summer of 2024.Andy King: He played 25 league games in the title-winning season. Currently, King is the only player in the modern era to have been champion of the Premier League, the Championship, and League One.
