Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Declan Rice

Discover the career path of Declan Rice, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Declan Rice is an English professional footballer renowned for his prowess as a defensive midfielder. Currently playing for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team, he is highly regarded for his stamina, ball carrying ability, and tackling skills. He is considered among the best midfielders globally.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 2015: Signed First Professional Contract

In December 2015, Declan Rice signed his first professional contract with West Ham United.

2016: Under-23s promotion

In April 2017, five days before his Premier League Debut, Declan Rice captained the under-23s to promotion with a 2–1 win away to Newcastle United in 2016.

April 2017: First Senior Squad Call-Up

In April 2017, Declan Rice received his first call-up to the West Ham senior squad for games against Sunderland and Everton.

May 2017: Named in Republic of Ireland Squad

On 23 May 2017, Declan Rice was named in the Republic of Ireland squad to play friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay and a World Cup qualifier at home to Austria.

August 2017: First-Team Debut

On August 19, 2017, Declan Rice made his first-team debut in a 3–2 defeat at Southampton.

2017: Became a key first-team player for West Ham United

In 2017, Declan Rice became a key first-team player for West Ham United after being released from Chelsea's academy.

March 2018: Senior Debut for Republic of Ireland

On 23 March 2018, Declan Rice made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in a 1–0 defeat to Turkey.

August 2018: Omitted from Ireland Squad

In August 2018, Rice was omitted from the squad to play Wales by manager Martin O'Neill, who said that Rice was considering switching to play for England.

November 2018: Undecided on National Allegiance

By November 2018, having been omitted from three squads selected by O'Neill, Rice said he was no closer in deciding whether to play for Ireland or England.

December 2018: 50th West Ham Appearance and New Contract

In December 2018, Declan Rice made his 50th appearance for West Ham and signed a new contract until 2024 with an option for an additional year.

December 2018: Met with Ireland Management

In December 2018, Rice met with new Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and his assistant, Robbie Keane, regarding his international future.

January 2019: First Goal for West Ham

On January 12, 2019, Declan Rice scored his first goal for West Ham in a 1–0 win against Arsenal and was named man of the match.

February 2019: Pledged Allegiance to England

On 13 February 2019, Declan Rice pledged his future to England.

March 2019: First Start for England

On 25 March 2019, England manager Gareth Southgate handed Declan Rice his first start for the national side during a 5–1 victory over Montenegro.

December 2019: First Time as West Ham Captain

In December 2019, at age 20, Declan Rice captained West Ham for the first time in a 2–1 home loss against Leicester City.

2019: England Debut

In 2019, Declan Rice made his debut for the England national team after switching his national allegiance.

July 2020: First Premier League Goal of the Season

On July 17, 2020, Declan Rice scored his first and only Premier League goal of the season in a 3–1 win against Watford.

2020: Played Every Minute

During the 2019-2020 season, Rice played every minute of West Ham's 38 league games.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020

In 2020, Declan Rice represented England at UEFA Euro 2020.

February 2021: First Goal of the Season

On February 15, 2021, Declan Rice scored his first goal of the season, converting a penalty in a 3–0 home league win against Sheffield United.

September 2021: European Debut and Goal

On September 16, 2021, Declan Rice made his European debut and scored his debut European goal in a 2–0 away victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.

October 2022: First Goal of the Season

On 16 October 2022, Rice scored his first goal of the season, securing West Ham a point in a 1–1 draw against Southampton.

2022: FIFA World Cup 2022

In 2022, Declan Rice represented England at the FIFA World Cup.

2022: Succeeded as club captain

In 2022, Declan Rice succeeded Mark Noble as the club captain for West Ham United.

April 2023: Standout Strike Against Gent

On 20 April 2023, Rice scored West Ham's third goal in a 4–1 win in the UEFA Europa Conference League against Gent.

June 2023: Europa Conference League Player of the Season

On 8 June 2023, Rice was named as the Europa Conference League's player of the season by UEFA. Rice captained West Ham to their first major European trophy since 1965 after a 2–1 win against Fiorentina in the final a day prior.

July 2023: Leaves West Ham

In July 2023, Declan Rice left West Ham, joining Arsenal, after playing 245 games and scoring 15 goals.

July 2023: Signed by Arsenal

In July 2023, after making 245 appearances for West Ham, Declan Rice was signed by Arsenal for a club-record fee of £100 million.

2023: Arsenal debut

In 2023, Rice made his Arsenal debut on 6 August against Manchester City in the 2023 FA Community Shield, which Arsenal won 4–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.