Jamie Vardy Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Jamie Vardy is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Leicester City and the England national team. He is known for his incredible rags to riches story, having risen from non-league football to become a Premier League champion and England international.
Vardy holds the record for scoring goals in consecutive Premier League matches, scoring in 11 straight matches in Leicester’s title-winning 2015–16 season. His style of play, pace, work ethic and finishing ability make him one of the deadliest strikers in English football.
Jamie Vardy’s Early Life and Career
Jamie Richard Vardy was born on 11 January 1987 in Sheffield, England. He grew up as a Sheffield Wednesday fan and played football from a young age. However, he was released from the Sheffield Wednesday academy at age 16 and had to combine factory work with non-league football in the Northern Premier League.
Vardy started his senior career with Stocksbridge Park Steels in 2007 before joining Halifax Town a year later. In 2010, he moved to Fleetwood Town and helped them earn back-to-back promotions to the Football League. His 31 goals in 36 appearances in the 2011–12 season captured Leicester City’s attention.
Jamie Vardy Joins Leicester City
In May 2012, Leicester City signed Vardy for a non-league record transfer fee of £1 million. He made his Leicester debut on 14 August 2012 in a League Cup match against Torquay United.
Vardy initially struggled to adapt to the higher level of the Championship and was contemplating leaving Leicester in January 2013. However, manager Nigel Pearson convinced him to stay, and Vardy finished the season with 5 goals in 26 appearances.
In the 2013-14 season, Vardy established himself as a key player, scoring 16 goals to help Leicester secure promotion to the Premier League.
Vardy’s Breakout Season and Premier League Title
The 2014-15 season saw Vardy break out as Leicester adapted well to the Premier League. He formed an excellent partnership with striker Leonardo Ulloa and midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, scoring 5 goals in 34 appearances.
However, it was in the 2015-16 season that Vardy truly announced himself. Under new manager Claudio Ranieri, Leicester stunned everyone by mounting an improbable title challenge. Vardy was central to it, going on an incredible scoring run.
Between August 2015 and November 2015, Vardy scored in 11 consecutive Premier League matches, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record. His pace, finishing, and work rate made him a handful for defenders. Vardy would finish the season with 24 goals as Leicester were crowned Premier League champions in one of sport’s greatest underdog stories.
Vardy was named the FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season for 2015–16. He signed a new four-year contract with Leicester as they entered the UEFA Champions League.
Vardy’s Style of Play and Attributes
Jamie Vardy’s biggest assets are his incredible pace and work rate. He has the speed to stretch defenses and make runs in behind. Vardy is also tireless in his pressing and work ethic off the ball. He sets the tone for the team with his non-stop running.
Movement and Finishing
Vardy’s clever movement and ability to find space in the box make him an excellent goalscorer. He times his runs well to stay onside before accelerating past defenders. Vardy is a composed finisher, able to score with either foot as well as his head.
Tenacity and Aggression
Despite his smaller stature, Vardy plays with great tenacity and aggression. He chases down every ball and is willing to battle physically with defenders. Vardy is also feisty and combative in 50/50 challenges.
Link-Up Play
While known for getting in behind defenses, Vardy has also improved his link-up play in recent years. He combines well with teammates using quick one-touch passing and flicks around the box. This expansive style suits Leicester’s counterattacking approach.
Vardy’s Later Leicester City Career
While Leicester could not replicate their title-winning heroics, Vardy has remained a key player. In 2016-17, Leicester reached the Champions League quarterfinals with Vardy scoring in matches against Sevilla and Atletico Madrid.
He continued scoring consistently, topping 20 goals in the next two Premier League seasons. Vardy also extended his contract to 2022 and remained loyal to Leicester despite interest from Arsenal.
The 2018-19 season saw Vardy win the Premier League Golden Boot as he scored 23 goals in 36 matches. In 2019-20, he scored 19 goals despite Leicester just missing out on Champions League qualification.
Vardy remains instrumental under manager Brendan Rodgers, forming an excellent partnership with James Maddison. He captains Leicester’s young and dynamic team as they aim to upset the Premier League hierarchy.
Jamie Vardy’s Premier League Records
- Consecutive games scored in: 11 games
- Consecutive games scoring and winning: 11 games
- Fastest PL hat-trick: 11 minutes vs Manchester City in May 2019
- Oldest player to win PL Golden Boot: 33 years old
Jamie Vardy’s England Career
Vardy made his England debut in June 2015 against the Republic of Ireland, just before Leicester’s title-winning campaign. He scored his first England goal against Germany in March 2016.
Despite competition from strikers like Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, Vardy remains valued for his pace and directness. He was selected for the 2018 World Cup and appeared as a substitute three times.
In total, Vardy has 26 caps and 7 goals for England as of 2023. While no longer a starter, he still offers a valuable option off the bench with his speed and finishing instincts.
Jamie Vardy’s England Highlights
- Debut: 7 June 2015 vs Republic of Ireland
- First goal: 26 March 2016 vs Germany
- 2018 World Cup: 3 appearances as a substitute
- 26 caps, 7 goals as of March 2023
Vardy’s Net Worth, Salary and Sponsorships
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jamie Vardy has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2023.
His main sources of income are his Leicester City salary and various endorsement deals. Some key highlights:
- Current Leicester City salary: £140,000 per week (£7.3 million per year)
- Sponsorship deal with Nike (boot endorsement)
- Brand ambassador for Walkers crisps and Monster Energy drinks
- Reported £9 million in assets and property investments
Vardy has the highest net worth and salary on Leicester City’s squad. His rags to riches story makes him an inspirational figure for brands seeking endorsement partners.
Jamie Vardy’s Reported Career Earnings
Year | Earnings |
---|---|
2012 – 2015 | £4 million |
2015 – 2016 | £8 million |
2016 – present | £30+ million |
Vardy’s Wife and Family
Jamie Vardy met Rebekah Nicholson in 2014 and they married in May 2016 at a lavish ceremony at Peckforton Castle. Rebekah already had two children – Megan and Taylor – from a previous relationship.
Vardy and his wife have four children together:
- Sofia Vardy
- Finley Vardy
- Olivia Vardy
- Fox Vardy
Vardy enjoys a happy family life and credits his wife Rebekah for supporting him throughout his career. She is regularly seen cheering him on during Leicester and England matches.
Family plays an important role in keeping Vardy grounded. He remains in touch with his working-class roots and relatives in Sheffield.
Vardy’s Charity Work and Causes
Jamie Vardy has supported various charities and causes throughout his career:
- Vardy’s Academy: Set up a football academy in 2017 to give opportunities to non-league players.
- Clay Shooting Challenge: Holds a yearly clay shooting event to raise money for charities.
- Donation to children’s hospital: Made significant donations to Leicester’s children’s hospital.
- Various Donations: Reportedly donated money anonymously to help disadvantaged families.
Vardy recognizes his fortunate position and uses it to give back through generous donations and projects. He is involved in several charities that support disadvantaged youth through sports and education.
Conclusion
Jamie Vardy is one of the most remarkable underdog stories in football history. His journey from being rejected by academies to becoming a Premier League champion and England international is truly inspirational.
Vardy’s self-belief, work ethic, and finishing ability allowed him to defy the odds again and again. His record-breaking goalscoring run was instrumental to Leicester’s incredible title victory.
While Leicester could not maintain the same success, Vardy has remained their star player for over a decade now. His loyalty, tenacity and lethal finishing make him a club legend.
At 36 years of age, Vardy is still relied upon by both Leicester City and England. He continues to prove the doubters wrong with his high level of play. Vardy’s rags to riches tale, charity work, and down-to-earth personality also make him one of football’s most beloved late bloomers.
FAQs About Jamie Vardy
What teams has Jamie Vardy played for?
Jamie Vardy’s professional career began in non-league football with Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town. In 2012, he signed for Leicester City in the Championship and helped them achieve promotion and later win the Premier League title. Vardy remains Leicester City’s star striker.
How many goals has Vardy scored for Leicester?
As of January 2023, Jamie Vardy has scored 164 goals in 387 appearances for Leicester City across all competitions. He is third on their all-time goalscorer list behind only Arthur Chandler and Arthur Rowley.
What records does Vardy hold?
Vardy holds the Premier League record for consecutive games scored in with 11 matches in a row during Leicester’s title-winning 2015-16 season. He also shares the record for consecutive games won and scored in (11) with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
How much is Jamie Vardy worth?
According to reports, Jamie Vardy has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2023. His wealth comes from his Leicester City salary, endorsements, and property investments.
Is Vardy married and does he have kids?
Yes, Jamie Vardy has been married to Rebekah Nicholson since 2016. Together they have four children – Sofia, Finley, Olivia and Fox. Vardy also has two older children, Megan and Taylor, from Rebekah’s previous relationship.
What charity work does Jamie Vardy do?
Jamie Vardy is involved in several charities supporting disadvantaged youth such as his Vardy Academy football project. He also holds fundraising clay shooting events annually and has made donations to hospitals and families in need.