It feels like just yesterday that the football world stood still in disbelief. Leicester City, a club that was fighting relegation the season before, defied odds of 5000-1 to lift the Premier League trophy in 2016. That team wasn’t just a collection of players; it was a family, a story of unity, and a testament to the magic of sport. Now, almost a decade later, the paths of those heroes have diverged dramatically. Some are still gracing the pitch, others have hung up their boots, and a few have even moved into management and punditry. Let’s take a nostalgic walk down memory lane to see where the key members of that famous squad are today.
The Core Unit: Where Did They Go?
The heart of that Leicester team was built on a rock-solid defense, a tireless midfield, and the blistering pace of Jamie Vardy upfront. The manager, Claudio Ranieri, orchestrated the symphony perfectly, but the players on the pitch executed it with flawlessness.
The Manager and the Backline
Claudio Ranieri, the master tactician who created a fortress at the King Power Stadium, left the club the following season after a difficult start. He went on to manage Nantes, Fulham, Roma, and most recently, Cagliari. He is currently without a club but remains a beloved figure in world football.
Kasper Schmeichel, the giant in goal, was the last line of defense and a crucial leader. He stayed at Leicester until 2022, becoming a club legend. After leaving, he had a brief spell at Nice before joining Celtic, where he continues to be a fan favorite. His leadership and shot-stopping remain world-class.
The central defensive partnership of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth was the bedrock of the title win. Morgan, the captain, retired in 2021 after a testimonial year. He briefly worked as a ambassador for the club. Huth also retired in 2018 after a series of injury struggles. He has since moved into a coaching role at Leicester, working with the youth academy.
Left-back Christian Fuchs was a constant threat going forward. He left Leicester in 2021 to join Charlotte FC in the MLS. After retiring, he returned to the Premier League as a technical coordinator and is also a passionate advocate for gaming, running his own esports team. Right-back Danny Simpson, Mr. Reliable, retired from professional football in 2020 after spells at Huddersfield and Bristol City.
The Engine Room
N’Golo Kanté, a name that needs no introduction. He was the tireless midfielder who covered every blade of grass. After Leicester, he moved to Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the Europa League. He is currently playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, still doing what he does best. Danny Drinkwater, the midfield metronome who linked defense and attack, had a difficult time after the title win. He moved to Chelsea for a huge fee but his career never took off. After several loans and a brief spell at Reading, he retired from professional football in 2023.
Marc Albrighton was the unsung hero, providing width and crosses from the wing. He stayed with Leicester for a long time, playing a crucial role in their FA Cup and Community Shield wins in 2021. He recently moved to West Ham United in the summer of 2024 and continues to provide experience.
Riyad Mahrez, the magician with the golden left foot, was the team’s creative spark. He moved to Manchester City for a record fee and won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. He is currently playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, still dazzling defenders with his dribbling.
The Attack
Jamie Vardy, the man who broke the record for scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games during that season. He is arguably the greatest player in Leicester City’s history. He continued to score goals for the Foxes, finishing as the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer. After helping them win the Championship in 2024, he astonishingly signed a new one-year contract at the club, meaning he is still playing for Leicester in the Premier League! It’s a true fairytale ending that keeps on going.
Shinji Okazaki, the tireless workhorse who created space for Vardy, returned to Japan after leaving Leicester. He played for several J1 League clubs, including Kawasaki Frontale, before retiring in 2024. He has since moved into coaching and is a national hero back home.
The Supporting Cast: Other Key Figures
Other players like Andy King, Jeff Schlupp, and Demarai Gray also played vital roles. King, a one-club man for many years, is now plying his trade at Bristol City. Schlupp has been a consistent performer for Crystal Palace. Gray has had stints at Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, and now plays for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
A Legacy That Lives On
The 2015-16 Leicester City squad was more than a group of footballers; they were a phenomenon. Their story is a reminder that in sport, anything is possible. While many have moved on to different clubs, different careers, or retirement, the bond they share and the legacy they created will never fade. For fans of Mcw casino, remembering this team is about celebrating the underdog spirit and the beautiful unpredictability of the game.
Conclusion
The Leicester City 2015-16 Premier League Champions have scattered across the globe, from coaching staff in England to superstars in Saudi Arabia. Some, like Jamie Vardy, are still living the dream, while others have begun new chapters. Each member of that squad holds a special place in football history. Their journey from relegation battlers to champions remains one of the most inspiring stories the Premier League has ever seen. What’s your favorite memory from that incredible season? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out more nostalgic football stories here!
