10 Facts About Jamie Vardy, Who Will Leave Leicester at the End of the Season

1. Record Transfer from the Fifth Tier

In 2012, Leicester signed Jamie Vardy for £1 million — a record fee at the time for a player from England’s fifth division.

2. Close to Prison

In 2007, Vardy almost ended up behind bars after assaulting two men who were mocking his hearing-impaired friend. He received a suspended sentence and a curfew, banning him from leaving home after 6 PM.

3. Vodka with Skittles for Recovery

To treat cramps, Vardy once drank vodka mixed with Skittles, leaving Leicester’s physiotherapist completely shocked.

4. Premier League Goal Streak Record

Vardy holds the Premier League record for most consecutive matches with a goal — 11 games in a row during the 2015 season, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous record. Ironically, Van Nistelrooy now manages PSV, the team against which Vardy might play his last Leicester match.

5. Almost Quit After One Season

Vardy considered retiring from football after his first year at Leicester due to heavy criticism from fans. He had scored just four goals in the Championship that season.

6. Factory Worker Until 23

Before going professional, Vardy worked at a factory making medical prosthetics. His role? A general laborer.

7. Rejected Arsenal Move

In 2016, Arsène Wenger tried to sign Vardy for Arsenal. The deal was close, but Vardy chose to stay at Leicester — and went on to spend another nine years at the club.

8. Kicked Out of Sheffield Wednesday Academy

At 16, Vardy was released by Sheffield Wednesday’s academy. Coaches said he lacked potential due to his short stature and "troublesome" nature.

9. Unusual Pre-Match Diet

Before games, Vardy sticks to a strict routine: three cans of Red Bull, a double espresso, and an omelette filled with cheese and ham.

10. Led Leicester to a Miracle Title

Vardy spearheaded Leicester’s 2015–16 Premier League title win — a triumph so unlikely that bookmakers gave it 5000-to-1 odds. For comparison, finding the Loch Ness monster was considered 10 times more likely (500-to-1).

Published by Patrick Jane
26.04.2025