Jamie Vardy’s iconic moments for Leicester City and England
- Cameron Loftus
- 5 August 2021
The former non-league player turned Premier League champion has enjoyed an almost Hollywood-style rise to the top of the game and is still banging in the goals.
His playing style is what makes fans fall in love with him, with his determination, hard work and striking ability making him one of England's most iconic players.
Since joining Leicester City from Fleetwood Town in 2012, the striker has made some incredible memories. Planet Sport takes a look at some of the best.
Acclimatising to the Championship
When Vardy signed for Leicester from non-league Fleetwood, he jumped a huge four divisions, going from part-time to full-time in the process. After initially struggling, he made a real impact during the 2013/14 season, as Leicester went on to break their points record, with 102.
Goal on his full Premier League debut
It came against the most successful team in the Premier League era as Vardy's Leicester team came from 3-1 down to defeat Louis van Gaal's Manchester United 5-3 at the King Power Stadium.
With the game poised at 3-3, Leicester attacked on the counter, with Ritchie De Laet playing in Vardy who raced away from the defence and confidently sidefooted the ball past David de Gea.
First games in an England shirt
After helping Leicester escape relegation with a run of seven wins from nine matches in 2014/15, Vardy's contribution was recognised by England manager Roy Hodgson. He was awarded his first cap in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland, replacing captain Wayne Rooney for the final 15 minutes of a goalless draw.
Vardy's first international goal was one to remember. It came against Germany, with a superb backheel from a Nathaniel Clyne cross bringing England level. The Three Lions would go on to secure a 3-2 victory.
Three days later, Vardy's goalscoring form continued as he also netted in the 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands at Wembley. He finished off a well-worked move that included Adam Lallana and Kyle Walker, tapping into an empty net for his first home international goal.
5,000/1
Vardy certainly played his part, producing an impressive 24 goals during the campaign. A standout goal came against Liverpool at the King Power, with a dipping volley from 25 yards giving Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet no chance.
Breaking Ruud van Nistlerooy's record
On their way to the title, Vardy became the first player to net in 11 consecutive Premier League matches, beating Dutchman Van Nistlerooy's long-standing record of 10.
Scoring in a major tournament
Vardy was named in England's Euro 2016 squad by Roy Hodgson following another successful season at club level. He made his tournament debut on June 16 in England's second group match against Wales, coming on as a substitute.
Netting in Europe for Leicester
They would go on to impress, qualifying from their group containing Club Brugge, Copenhagen and FC Porto, winning four of their six matches.
Against all odds, Leicester overcame a first-leg defeat and beat Sevilla 3-2 on aggregate to progress to the next round. They would face Spanish opposition yet again, this time in the form of Atletico Madrid.
100 club
"It's a phenomenal achievement to come into the Premier League at such a late stage and be so prolific in such a short space of time. It's a privilege to work with such a top striker," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers after the goal against Crystal Palace in July 2020.
Another trophy in the cabinet
To add to the achievement, it is believed Vardy is the only player to have ever played in every single round of the FA Cup, including its preliminary stages and go on to lift the famous trophy.
