Leicester City F.C. facts for kids
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| Full name | Leicester City Football Club | |||
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| Nickname(s) | The Foxes | |||
| Founded | 1884; 140 years ago (as Leicester Fosse F.C.) | |||
| Stadium | King Power Stadium | |||
| Stadium capacity |
32,259 | |||
| Owner | King Power | |||
| Chairman | Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha | |||
| Manager | Steve Cooper | |||
| League | Premier League | |||
| 2018–19 | Premier League, 9th of 20 | |||
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Leicester City Football Club is a professional football team from Leicester, England. They are known as "The Foxes". The club plays in the Premier League, which is the top football league in England. They recently earned promotion back to the Premier League after winning the 2023–24 EFL Championship.
Leicester City was started in 1884 as Leicester Fosse F.C. The name changed to Leicester City in 1919. They played at Filbert Street from 1891 until 2002. Now, their home stadium is the King Power Stadium.
The club has won five major trophies. These include one Premier League title, one FA Cup, and three League Cups. They also won the FA Community Shield twice. Their biggest achievement was winning the 2015–16 Premier League title. This was a huge surprise in the football world! Before this, their best league finish was second place in 1929.
Leicester City has played in European competitions seven times. They reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2017. They also made it to the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals in 2022. They won their first FA Cup in 2021.
Contents
The History of Leicester City Football Club
How the Club Started (1884–1949)
The club began in 1884 as "Leicester Fosse." It was started by former students of Wyggeston School. They joined The Football Association (FA) in 1890. Before moving to Filbert Street in 1891, they played at several different fields.
In 1894, Leicester Fosse joined the Football League in Division Two. Their first League win was against Rotherham United. In 1908, they were promoted to the First Division, the top league. But they were relegated after just one season.
After World War I, in 1919, the club faced money problems. It was then reformed and renamed "Leicester City Football Club." This new name was chosen because Leicester had recently become a city. In the 1920s, with star player Arthur Chandler, they won the Division Two title in 1925. They also finished second in the top league in 1929. However, the 1930s saw them go up and down between divisions.
After World War II (1949–2000)
In 1949, Leicester reached the FA Cup final for the first time. They lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 1954, they won the Division Two championship. They returned to Division One in 1957 and stayed there until 1969. This was their longest time in the top league.
Under manager Matt Gillies, Leicester reached two more FA Cup finals in the 1960s, but lost both. In 1964, they won their first major trophy, the League Cup. They were known as the "Ice Kings" in the 1962–63 season for their great play on frozen pitches.
In 1971, Leicester was promoted back to the First Division. They also won the Charity Shield for the first time. This was a special match between the league winners and FA Cup winners.
In the 1990s, under manager Martin O'Neill, Leicester had a successful period. They were promoted to the Premier League in 1996. They then finished in the top ten for four years in a row. O'Neill led them to win the League Cup twice, in 1997 and 2000. This allowed them to play in the UEFA Cup in Europe.
Challenges in the Early 2000s (2000–2008)
After Martin O'Neill left, the club faced difficulties. They were relegated from the Premier League in 2002. In 2002, Leicester City moved from Filbert Street to their new stadium, the Walkers Stadium. This stadium was named after the famous crisp company, Walkers.
In 2002, the club faced serious money problems. They managed to recover and were promoted back to the Premier League in 2003. However, they were relegated again after just one season. The club went through many managers during this time. In 2008, Leicester City was relegated to the third tier of English football, League One. This was the first time they had been so low in the league system.
Rising Back to the Premier League (2008–2015)
Despite being in the third tier, Leicester City quickly bounced back. In 2009, they won the League One title and were promoted to the Championship. This was a very fast rise back up the leagues.
In 2010, the club was bought by a Thai group called Asian Football Investments, led by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. In 2011, the stadium was renamed the King Power Stadium.
In 2014, Leicester City won the Championship title. This meant they were promoted back to the Premier League after ten years away! They started their first Premier League season well. In September 2014, they made an amazing comeback to beat Manchester United 5–3. They were the first team to beat Manchester United after being two goals down in the Premier League.
In the 2014–15 season, Leicester was at the bottom of the league in April. But they had an incredible finish, winning seven of their last nine games. This helped them avoid relegation, which was called one of the Premier League's greatest escapes.
Premier League Champions and Recent Years (2015–Present)
In June 2015, Claudio Ranieri became the new manager. The 2015–16 season was truly unforgettable. Striker Jamie Vardy broke a Premier League record by scoring in 11 games in a row. On Christmas Day, Leicester was at the top of the league, after being at the bottom exactly a year before!
Leicester City won the Premier League title on 2 May 2016. This happened when Tottenham Hotspur failed to win their match. Bookmakers had given Leicester 5,000-to-1 odds to win at the start of the season. This made their victory one of the biggest shocks in sports history. Many people saw it as an inspiration.
After their amazing title win, Leicester played in the UEFA Champions League in 2016–17. They did very well, reaching the quarter-finals. However, their league form was not as strong, and manager Ranieri was dismissed in February 2017.
On 27 October 2018, a helicopter carrying the chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and four others crashed outside the stadium. All five people sadly died. A memorial garden and statue were later created in his honor.
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In 2019, Brendan Rodgers became manager. In the 2019–20 season, Leicester had a fantastic start. They won 9–0 away at Southampton, which tied the record for the biggest Premier League away win ever. They finished fifth in the league, which earned them a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
On 15 May 2021, Leicester City won the FA Cup for the first time in their history. Youri Tielemans scored the winning goal against Chelsea. They also won the 2021 FA Community Shield later that year. In 2022, they reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
In 2023, Leicester City was relegated from the Premier League. However, under new manager Enzo Maresca, they quickly returned to the top flight. They won the 2023–24 EFL Championship title, setting a new record for the most second-tier titles with eight.
Club Identity and Traditions
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| Leicester City's first home colours worn from 1884 to 1886. |
Leicester City's traditional home kit is royal blue shirts, white shorts, and either white or blue socks.
A fox image was first added to the club badge in 1948. Since 1992, the badge has shown a fox's head on a Cinquefoil. This Cinquefoil is similar to the one on the city's coat of arms.
For their 125th anniversary in 2009–10, a special badge was used. The away kit that season even went back to the club's very first colors: black shirts with a blue sash.
Before matches, the "Post Horn Galop" tune is played as the teams enter the pitch. The club's anthem, "When You're Smiling", is also played before kick-off. The club's motto is Foxes Never Quit. These words are displayed above the tunnel inside the stadium.
Kit Suppliers and Shirt Sponsors
Leicester City's kits are currently made by Adidas. Over the years, other brands like Puma and Umbro have also made their kits.
The main shirt sponsor is currently BC.GAME. The first sponsor on a Leicester shirt was Ind Coope in 1983. Walkers Crisps, a company from Leicester, sponsored the shirts for many years and also the stadium.
Stadium and Training Ground
In their early days, Leicester City played at several different grounds. But since joining the Football League, they have only played at two main stadiums. Their first long-term home was Filbert Street, where they played from 1891 until 2002.
The "Double Decker" stand was a famous part of Filbert Street. In 1993, a new stand called the Carling Stand was built.
In 2002, the club moved to the new 32,500-seat Walkers Stadium. It is located very close to their old home. The first match there was a friendly draw against Athletic Bilbao.
In 2011, the stadium was officially renamed the King Power Stadium. There are plans to make the stadium even bigger, increasing its capacity to 40,000 seats.
In 2020, the club opened a new, very modern training complex in Seagrave. It is considered one of the best training facilities in the world. The old training ground, Belvoir Drive, is now used by Leicester City Women.
Club Rivalries and Support
Leicester City's main rivals are Nottingham Forest, Derby County, and Coventry City. There are also smaller rivalries with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. The rivalry with Nottingham Forest is especially strong in the areas between the two cities.
Leicester fans sing "When You're Smiling" at home and away matches. This song became popular in the late 1970s.
European Record
| Season | Competition | Round | Club | Home | Away | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961–62 | European Cup Winners' Cup | PR |  Glenavon |
3–1 | 4–1 | 7–2 |
| 1R |  Atlético Madrid |
1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | ||
| 1997–98 | UEFA Cup | 1R |  Atlético Madrid |
0–2 | 1–2 | 1–4 |
| 2000–01 | UEFA Cup | 1R |  Red Star Belgrade |
1–1 | 1–3 | 2–4 |
| 2016–17 | UEFA Champions League | GS |  Porto |
1–0 | 0–5 | 1st |
 Club Brugge |
2–1 | 3–0 | ||||
 Copenhagen |
1–0 | 0–0 | ||||
| R16 | Sevilla |
2–0 | 1–2 | 3–2 | ||
| QF | Atlético Madrid |
1–1 | 0–1 | 1–2 | ||
| 2020–21 | UEFA Europa League | GS | Braga |
4–0 | 3–3 | 1st |
 AEK Athens |
2–0 | 2–1 | ||||
 Zorya Luhansk |
3–0 | 0–1 | ||||
| R32 |  Slavia Prague |
0–2 | 0–0 | 0–2 | ||
| 2021–22 | UEFA Europa League | GS |  Napoli |
2–2 | 2–3 | 3rd |
 Spartak Moscow |
1–1 | 4–3 | ||||
 Legia Warsaw |
3–1 | 0–1 | ||||
| UEFA Conference League | KPO | Randers |
4–1 | 3–1 | 7–2 | |
| R16 |  Rennes |
2–0 | 1–2 | 3–2 | ||
| QF |  PSV Eindhoven |
0–0 | 2–1 | 2–1 | ||
| SF | Roma |
1–1 | 0–1 | 1–2 |
Managerial History
Steve Cooper became Leicester City's manager on 20 June 2024. Before 1919, the club didn't have an official manager. The board and a special committee made most of the team decisions. Peter Hodge was the first person to have full control over the team, including choosing players and tactics.
Club Records and Statistics
Graham Cross holds the record for playing the most games for Leicester, with 600 appearances between 1960 and 1976. Adam Black played the most league games, with 528.
Arthur Chandler is the club's all-time top goal scorer, with 273 goals. He also scored in 8 games in a row in the 1924–25 season. Arthur Rowley scored the most goals in a single season, with 44 in 1956–57. The fastest goal in the club's history was scored by Matty Fryatt in just nine seconds in 2006.
Jamie Vardy broke a Premier League record in 2015–16 by scoring in 11 games in a row. He finished that season with 23 goals, winning the Premier League Golden Boot.
The highest amount Leicester has paid for a player was for Youri Tielemans, around £32-40 million. The most money Leicester has received for a player was about £80 million for Harry Maguire. This was a record for a defender at the time.
The club's record home attendance was 47,298 at Filbert Street in 1928. At the current King Power Stadium, the record is 32,242.
Leicester's highest league finish was winning the 2015–16 Premier League title. They also hold the record for the most second-tier titles, with eight.
In the 2015–16 season, Leicester set many new club records. They had the fewest losses in a Premier League season and the most consecutive wins in the top league. They also kept five clean sheets (no goals conceded) in a row. They only lost one home game in the Premier League all season.
In the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League, Leicester became the first English team to win away on their Champions League debut. They were also the first team in Champions League history to keep clean sheets in their first four games.
On 25 October 2019, Leicester set the record for the biggest away win in English top-flight history. They beat Southampton 9–0. This also tied the record for the biggest win in Premier League history.
League History
Since joining the Football League in 1894, Leicester City has spent almost all seasons in the top two divisions of English football. In the 2008–09 season, they played in League One, the third tier. However, they were promoted back to the second tier as champions that same season.
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L1 = Level 1 of the football league system; L2 = Level 2 of the football league system; L3 = Level 3 of the football league system.
- Seasons spent at Level 1 of the football league system: 55
- Seasons spent at Level 2 of the football league system: 63
- Seasons spent at Level 3 of the football league system: 1
(up to and including 2023–24)
Players
First Team Squad
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Players Out on Loan
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Former Players
Club Staff
As of 9 July 2024[update]
| Directors & Senior Management | |
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| Role | Person |
| Chairman |  Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha |
| Vice Chairman | Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha |
| Chief Executive |  Susan Whelan |
| Finance Director |  Kevin Davies |
| Director of Football | Jon Rudkin |
| Football Operations Director | Andrew Neville |
| Operations Director | Anthony Mundy |
| Communications Director | Anthony Herlihy |
| HR Director | Liam Dolan-Barr |
| Commercial Director | Dan Barnett |
| General Counsel | Matthew Phillips |
| Management Staff | |
|---|---|
| Role | Person |
| First Team Manager |  Steve Cooper |
| First Team Assistant Manager | Alan Tate |
| First Team Set Piece Coach | Andrew Hughes |
| First Team Goalkeeping Coach | Danny Alcock |
| First Team Coach & Analyst | Steve Rands |
| First Team Coach | Ben Dawson |
| Head of Fitness & Conditioning | Matt Reeves |
| Head of Medicine | Dr. Simon Morris |
| First Team Physiotherapist | Niall Stevens |
| First Team Physiotherapist | Gary Silk |
| Kit Manager | Paul McAndrew |
| Head of Senior Player Recruitment | Martyn Glover |
| Loans Manager |  Robert Huth |
| Academy Director | Jon Rudkin |
Player Statistics
Player of the Year Awards
Leicester City fans vote for their Player of the Year at the end of each season.
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English Hall of Fame Members
These players have played for Leicester and are in the English Football Hall of Fame:
- Gordon Banks (2002)
- Peter Shilton (2002)
- Gary Lineker (2003)
- Don Revie (2004, as a manager)
Frank McLintock (2009)
Football League 100 Legends
This list of "100 legendary football players" was created in 1998. The following former Leicester City players are on it:
- Arthur Rowley
- Gordon Banks
- Frank McLintock
- Peter Shilton
- Gary Lineker
Players with Over 300 Appearances
This list includes only competitive games. Current players are in bold.
- Graham Cross 600
- Adam Black 557
- Kasper Schmeichel 479
- Jamie Vardy 464
- Hugh Adcock 460
- Mark Wallington 460
- Steve Walsh 450
- Arthur Chandler 419
- John Sjoberg 414
- Mal Griffiths 409
- Steve Whitworth 401
- Andy King 379
- Sep Smith 373
- Mike Stringfellow 370
- Richie Norman 365
- Gordon Banks 356
- John O'Neill 345
- Dave Gibson 339
- Peter Shilton 339
- Colin Appleton 333
- Dennis Rofe 324
Wes Morgan 323- Paul Ramsey 322
- Arthur Rowley 321
- Arthur Lochhead 320
Muzzy Izzet 319- Ian Wilson 318
- Derek Hines 317
- Marc Albrighton 313
- Lenny Glover 306
Players with 50 or More Goals
This list includes only competitive games. Current players are in bold.
- Arthur Chandler 273
- Arthur Rowley 265
- Jamie Vardy 190
- Ernie Hine 156
- Derek Hines 117
- Arthur Lochhead 114
- Gary Lineker 103
- Mike Stringfellow 97
- Johnny Duncan 95
- Jimmy Walsh 91
- Jack Lee 84
- Alan Smith 84
- Frank Worthington 78
- Mal Griffiths 76
- Ken Keyworth 76
- Danny Liddle 71
- Arthur Maw 64
- Matty Fryatt 62
- Andy King 62
- Steve Walsh 62
Kelechi Iheanacho 61- Steve Lynex 60
- David Nugent 59
- Fred Shinton 58
- Jack Bowers 56
- James Maddison 55
- Dave Gibson 53
- Jackie Sinclair 53
- Hugh Adcock 52
- George Dewis 51
- Gary McAllister 51
Honours and Trophies
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Leicester City is one of only a few clubs to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup since the year 2000. They are also one of 14 clubs to have won all four major domestic competitions in England. The club holds the record for the most second division titles, with eight.
League Titles
- First Division / Premier League (top league)
- Champions: 2015–16
- Runners-up: 1928–29
- Second Division / First Division / Championship (second tier)
- Champions (8 times): 1924–25, 1936–37, 1953–54, 1956–57, 1970–71, 1979–80, 2013–14, 2023–24
- Runners-up: 1907–08, 2002–03
- Play-off winners: 1994, 1996
- League One (third tier)
- Champions: 2008–09
Cup Competitions
- FA Cup
- Winners: 2020–21
- Runners-up: 1948–49, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1968–69
- League Cup
- Winners: 1963–64, 1996–97, 1999–2000
- Runners-up: 1964–65, 1998–99
- FA Charity Shield / FA Community Shield
- Winners: 1971, 2021
- Runners-up: 2016
See also
In Spanish: Leicester City Football Club para niños
