Jamie Vardy Receives Guard of Honour as Iconic Leicester City Era Comes to an End
May 26, 2025 — Leicester, England
The King Power Stadium witnessed an emotional and historic farewell on Sunday afternoon as Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy received a guard of honour before his final match for the club. The 38-year-old striker, who has become synonymous with the Foxes’ golden era, is officially set to depart after 13 unforgettable seasons in blue.
Vardy, who joined Leicester in 2012 from non-league Fleetwood Town, leaves behind a legacy etched in Premier League folklore—a fairytale story of perseverance, passion, and improbable triumph. As he emerged from the tunnel, flanked by teammates, coaching staff, and club legends, a wave of cheers erupted from the 32,000 fans in attendance. Many held banners bearing the words “Thank You, Jamie” and “V9 Forever.”
A Walk of Honour for a Leicester Legend
Before kick-off against Southampton, the Leicester players and staff formed a guard of honour, applauding the man who has given everything to the badge. Wearing his familiar No. 9 shirt one final time, Vardy walked through the corridor of clapping hands, visibly emotional as the entire stadium rose to its feet in tribute.
A special video montage played on the stadium screens, showcasing his most iconic goals—from his record-breaking streak of scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games, to his thunderous strike against Sevilla in the Champions League, and of course, the unforgettable 2015-16 title-winning season.
Club captain Jonny Evans, who embraced Vardy at the end of the guard, said, “Jamie’s more than a teammate—he’s a symbol of what this club has achieved. He’s inspired players and fans alike. It’s been an honour to share the pitch with him.”
From Non-League to Premier League Champion
Vardy’s story is the stuff of footballing legend. Signed for £1 million from Fleetwood Town, he became the most expensive non-league player ever at the time. Few could have predicted what would come next. In 2016, he spearheaded one of the greatest sporting miracles of all time—Leicester City’s Premier League title triumph.
That season, Vardy netted 24 league goals and was named FWA Footballer of the Year. His electric pace, relentless work ethic, and killer instinct made him a nightmare for defenders and a hero in Leicester.
In total, he leaves the club with 179 goals in 456 appearances, making him the club’s third all-time leading scorer. He won the Premier League, FA Cup (2021), and Community Shield (2021), and played in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League during Leicester’s remarkable modern run.
Farewell, But Not Goodbye
While Vardy has yet to confirm his next steps, reports suggest he may either retire or take on a player-coach role at a lower-tier club, possibly linked to his V9 Academy—a project he started to help non-league players get scouted by professional teams.
In a post-match interview, Vardy reflected on his journey with visible emotion.
“I came here a lad from non-league just hoping to get a chance,” he said. “To be standing here now, after everything we’ve achieved together—it’s hard to put into words. Leicester City gave me everything. The fans, the staff, my teammates… this club will always be my home.”
When asked about what’s next, he added, “Right now, I’m just taking it all in. This chapter’s ending, but football’s still in my heart. We’ll see what the future holds.”
Fans Pay Tribute
Supporters in the stands paid their own emotional tribute. Some wore custom shirts with “VARDY 9 – LEGEND,” while others brought homemade signs thanking him for the memories. The South Stand revealed a giant mosaic that read, “V9: A Legend. A Hero. One of Us.”
A young fan named Callum, age 10, held a poster that read, “My hero forever. Thank you, Jamie.” His father, a lifelong Leicester supporter, added, “He’s not just a footballer. He’s a dream chaser, a symbol of never giving up. My son looks up to him the same way I looked up to Gary Lineker.”
Social media was flooded with tributes from fans, fellow players, and pundits alike. Gary Neville tweeted, “One of the greatest stories in English football. Vardy’s journey proves hard work, belief, and fearlessness can take you anywhere.”
Club’s Tribute and Future Plans
After the final whistle, the club hosted a brief on-pitch ceremony. Vardy was presented with a commemorative framed shirt, a silver boot trophy, and a special video message from former manager Claudio Ranieri, who called Vardy “the engine of the 2016 miracle.”
Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha also spoke briefly, saying, “Jamie Vardy is not just a Leicester legend—he is Leicester. He brought glory, pride, and heart to this club like few others ever have. His story will inspire generations.”
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the club will hold a testimonial match in Vardy’s honour later this summer and said plans are in motion to name a stand or training pitch after him.
“He changed this club forever,” Maresca said. “We’re building for the future, but we’ll always remember who helped get us here.”
A Lasting Legacy
As Jamie Vardy took a final lap of honour around the King Power pitch, clapping fans in every corner, it felt like the end of an era—not just for Leicester City, but for English football. His name, story, and impact will be remembered not just in goals and silverware, but in spirit, grit, and belief.
From non-league hopeful to Premier League champion, Jamie Vardy has lived a footballing fairytale—and now, as he steps away from the club he helped elevate to glory, the city of Leicester says goodbye to its most beloved son.
Leave a Reply