Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jamie Vardy

How Jamie Vardy built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jamie Vardy is an English professional footballer renowned for his prolific goal-scoring record and remarkable rise from non-league football to the Premier League. He primarily plays as a striker. Vardy played for Premier League club Leicester City. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and relentless work ethic have made him a formidable force in attack. He played for Serie A club Cremonese.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Vardy's First Team League Debut

In 2006, Jamie Vardy made his first team league debut for Stocksbridge Park Steels under manager Peter Rinkcavage.

2007: Vardy's Breakout Season

During the 2007-08 season, Jamie Vardy had his breakout season under manager Gary Marrow.

2007: Vardy breaks into Stocksbridge Park Steels first team

In 2007, Jamie Vardy broke into the first team of Stocksbridge Park Steels.

2008: Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup

In 2008-09, Jamie Vardy helped the team win the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup and promotion to the Northern Premier League.

2009: Vardy's Trial with Crewe Alexandra

In 2009, Jamie Vardy spent a week on trial with Crewe Alexandra, though a move did not materialize.

June 2010: Vardy signed for FC Halifax Town

In June 2010, Jamie Vardy signed for FC Halifax Town for a fee of £15,000.

August 2010: Vardy Debuts and Scores Winning Goal

On August 21, 2010, Jamie Vardy made his debut for FC Halifax Town, scoring the winning goal in a 2–1 victory against Buxton.

2010: Vardy joins FC Halifax Town

In 2010, Jamie Vardy joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club FC Halifax Town.

August 2011: Vardy joins Fleetwood Town

In August 2011, Jamie Vardy moved to Conference Premier club Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee.

2011: Northern Premier League Premier Division Title

In the 2010-11 season, Jamie Vardy's goals helped secure the Northern Premier League Premier Division title for FC Halifax Town.

January 2012: Vardy Scores Twice Against Southport

On January 1, 2012, Jamie Vardy scored twice in a 6–0 win over Southport.

May 2012: Vardy signed for Leicester City

In May 2012, Jamie Vardy signed for Leicester City in the Championship for a non-League record transfer fee of £1 million.

May 2012: Signing Date

Jamie Vardy's final game for Leicester was on May 18, 2025 against Ipswich Town, marking the 13th anniversary of his signing date with the club, May 18, 2012.

January 2014: Vardy scores against Derby County

On 10 January 2014, Jamie Vardy scored and won a penalty kick in the local derby as Leicester beat Derby County 4–1.

August 2014: Vardy Extended Contract and Premier League Debut

In August 2014, Jamie Vardy extended his contract with Leicester City until the summer of 2018 and made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Arsenal on August 31, 2014.

2014: Leicester City wins Championship

In 2014, Jamie Vardy helped Leicester City win the Championship.

May 2015: Called up to England national team

In May 2015, Jamie Vardy received his first call-up to the England national team in preparation for a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland and a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Slovenia.

June 2015: Vardy Debut for England National Team

In June 2015, Jamie Vardy made his international debut for the England national team.

August 2015: Vardy Scores Opening Goal Against Sunderland

In August 2015, Jamie Vardy started the 2015-16 season by scoring the opening goal in Leicester's 4-2 victory against Sunderland.

October 2015: Vardy Named Premier League Player of the Month

In October 2015, Jamie Vardy was named Premier League Player of the Month after scoring in seven consecutive Premier League matches. He also became only the third player to achieve 8 consecutive matches in the Premier League after Ruud van Nistelrooy and Daniel Sturridge.

November 2015: Launched V9 Academy

In November 2015, Jamie Vardy launched V9 Academy, a week-long camp to coach non-League players and showcase their talent. In the same month, Stocksbridge Park Steels named their main stand after him.

2015: Premier League Season: Vardy breaks record

In the 2015–16 Premier League season, Jamie Vardy scored in eleven consecutive Premier League matches, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy's record.

April 2016: Vardy Scores 20th and 21st Goals, Securing Champions League Qualification

On April 10, 2016, Jamie Vardy scored his 20th and 21st goals of the season in Leicester's 2–0 win at Sunderland, becoming the first Leicester player since Gary Lineker in the 1984-85 season to score 20 goals in the top division. The result also secured Champions League qualification.

June 2016: Arsenal's Bid and Vardy's Contract Extension with Leicester

In June 2016, Arsenal made a bid of £22 million for Jamie Vardy, triggering a release clause. However, Vardy rejected Arsenal's offer and agreed to a new four-year contract with Leicester.

August 2016: Vardy Scores in FA Community Shield and First League Goal of Season

In August 2016, Jamie Vardy scored in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the 2016 FA Community Shield and scored his first league goal of the season against Swansea City.

2016: Vardy selected for UEFA Euro 2016

In 2016, Jamie Vardy was selected for UEFA Euro 2016.

August 2018: Stepped aside from England national team

On August 28, 2018, Jamie Vardy stepped aside from the England national team, stating he did not want to be considered for selection unless there was an injury crisis.

2018: Vardy selected for 2018 FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Jamie Vardy was selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, subsequently retiring after the tournament.

August 2020: Signed new contract with Leicester City

On August 26, 2020, Jamie Vardy signed a new contract with Leicester City, extending his stay with the club until June 2023.

May 2021: Won the FA Cup final against Chelsea

On May 15, 2021, Jamie Vardy started in the 2021 FA Cup final as Leicester City defeated Chelsea 1–0, marking the first time the club had ever won the Cup. Vardy became the first player to play in every round of the competition, including the preliminary stages.

2021: Vardy wins FA Cup and FA Community Shield

In 2021, Jamie Vardy won the FA Cup and FA Community Shield with Leicester City.

June 2023: Contract with Leicester City extended until June 2023

Jamie Vardy's contract with Leicester City was extended until June 2023, as per the agreement signed on August 26, 2020.

April 2024: Scored twice against Preston

On April 29, 2024, Jamie Vardy scored two goals in a 3-0 away victory against Preston, securing the title for Leicester City and their immediate return to the Premier League.

June 2024: Signed a new one-year deal

On June 7, 2024, Jamie Vardy announced that he had signed a new one-year deal with Leicester City.

2024: EFL Championship Win

In 2024, Jamie Vardy, as captain, led Leicester City to promotion by winning the EFL Championship.

April 2025: Announcement of Departure

On April 24, 2025, it was announced that Jamie Vardy would leave Leicester City at the end of the 2024-25 season, marking the end of an era as the last remaining player from their 2016 title-winning squad.

May 2025: Vardy's Final Match with Leicester City

In May 2025, Jamie Vardy played his final match with Leicester City after 13 years, scoring a total of 200 goals in 500 appearances for the club.

May 2025: Final game for Leicester

On May 18, 2025, Jamie Vardy played his last game for Leicester against Ipswich Town, which was also his 500th game for the club and the 13th anniversary of his signing. He scored his 200th goal for Leicester in the 28th minute, before being subbed off to a standing ovation in the 80th minute. The team secured a 2-0 victory.

September 2025: Signed for Cremonese

On September 1, 2025, Jamie Vardy signed with Italian Serie A club Cremonese as a free transfer on a one-year contract with an extension option. On September 15, he debuted as a substitute in an away goalless draw against Hellas Verona.