Best Leicester City Players of All Time: A Comprehensive List
Leicester City Football Club, also known as the Foxes, has a rich history of talented players who have made a significant impact on the club. From legendary goalkeepers to attacking talents, Leicester City has seen some of the best players in the world wear their blue shirt.
Over the years, Leicester City has produced some of the most iconic players in football history. These legends of the Foxes have left an indelible mark on the club and have helped shape its identity. From Arthur Rowley, the club’s all-time top goalscorer, to Gary Lineker, who helped Leicester City win promotion to the First Division, these players have earned their place in the club’s history books.
In this article, we will explore the best Leicester City players of all time, including defensive greats, midfield maestros, attacking talents, iconic goalkeepers, captains and leaders, recent heroes, and club record breakers. We will examine their contributions to the club, their achievements, and their impact on Leicester City’s success. So, let’s dive in and explore the players who have made Leicester City one of the most beloved football clubs in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Leicester City has a rich history of talented players who have made a significant impact on the club.
- Legends of the Foxes have left an indelible mark on the club and have helped shape its identity.
- The best Leicester City players of all time include defensive greats, midfield maestros, attacking talents, iconic goalkeepers, captains and leaders, recent heroes, and club record breakers.
Legends of the Foxes
Leicester City has had many great players throughout its history, but there are a few who stand out as true legends of the club. These players have left an indelible mark on the club and are remembered fondly by fans to this day. In this section, we will take a look at three of the greatest Leicester City players of all time: Gordon Banks, Gary Lineker, and Jamie Vardy.
Gordon Banks
Gordon Banks is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He spent eight years at Leicester City, making over 300 appearances for the club. Banks was a key player for Leicester during the 1960s, helping the club win the League Cup in 1964. He was also a regular for the England national team during this time, playing a crucial role in England’s World Cup victory in 1966. Banks is remembered for his incredible reflexes and agility, as well as his sportsmanship and professionalism both on and off the field.
Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker is one of Leicester City’s most famous and beloved players. He scored 95 goals in 194 appearances for the club, helping them win the Second Division title in 1980. Lineker went on to have a successful career at Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur, but he is still remembered as a Leicester City legend. He was a prolific goalscorer and a fan favorite, known for his speed, agility, and clinical finishing.
Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy is a modern-day Leicester City legend. He joined the club in 2012 and played a key role in their historic Premier League title win in 2016. Vardy scored 24 goals that season, breaking the record for most consecutive Premier League games with a goal. He has continued to be a crucial player for Leicester in the years since, helping them win the FA Cup in 2021. Vardy is known for his incredible work rate, pace, and finishing ability, as well as his never-say-die attitude on the field.
These three players are just a few of the many legends of the Foxes. Each of them played a crucial role in the club’s history and is remembered fondly by fans to this day. Leicester City has a rich history of talented players, and it will be exciting to see who the next great Foxes player will be.
Defensive Greats
Leicester City has had some exceptional defenders over the years, and here are a few of the best.
Steve Walsh
Steve Walsh was a tough and uncompromising center-back who played for Leicester City from 1986 to 2000. He captained the team to victory in the 1997 League Cup final, and was a key part of the team that won promotion to the Premier League in 1996. Walsh was known for his no-nonsense defending and his ability to score important goals, making him a fan favorite at Filbert Street.
Matt Elliott
Matt Elliott was another center-back who played a crucial role in Leicester City’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was signed from Oxford United in 1997 and quickly became a key player for the Foxes. Elliott was a towering presence at the back, and his aerial ability made him a threat in the opposition penalty area too. He scored some important goals for Leicester City, including a brace in the 1997 League Cup final.
Wes Morgan
Wes Morgan was the captain of the Leicester City team that shocked the world by winning the Premier League title in 2016. He joined the club from Nottingham Forest in 2012 and quickly established himself as a leader on and off the pitch. Morgan’s no-nonsense defending and his ability to organize the backline were crucial to Leicester City’s success that season. He was also a threat in the opposition penalty area, scoring some important goals along the way.
These three defenders are just a few of the many great players who have worn the Leicester City shirt over the years. They all played a key role in the club’s success, and are rightly remembered as legends by the fans.
Midfield Maestros
Leicester City has had some exceptional midfielders over the years, players who have been instrumental in the club’s success. Here are three of the best midfield maestros to have ever played for the Foxes.
Muzzy Izzet
Muzzy Izzet was a Turkish international who played for Leicester City from 1998 to 2004. He was a creative and versatile midfielder who could play in a number of positions. Izzet was known for his excellent passing ability, vision, and work rate. He was an integral part of the Leicester City team that won the League Cup in 2000 and reached the final again in 2002. Izzet scored 34 goals in 222 appearances for the Foxes and was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2002.
Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon was a tough-tackling midfielder who played for Leicester City from 1996 to 2000. He was a key player in the team that won promotion to the Premier League in 1996 and helped the Foxes establish themselves in the top flight. Lennon was known for his tenacity, leadership, and ability to break up opposition attacks. He made 178 appearances for Leicester City and scored 14 goals. Lennon was also a fan favourite and was named the club’s Player of the Year in 1998.
N’Golo Kanté
N’Golo Kanté was only at Leicester City for one season, but he made a huge impact. The French midfielder was a key player in the team that won the Premier League title in 2016, breaking up opposition attacks and providing a shield for the defence. Kanté’s energy, work rate, and tackling ability were crucial to Leicester City’s success that season. He made 37 appearances for the Foxes and was named the Premier League Player of the Season. Kanté’s performances earned him a move to Chelsea, where he has continued to excel.
These three midfielders were all outstanding players in their own right and played a vital role in Leicester City’s success over the years. They were all different in terms of their playing styles, but they shared a common trait – they were all midfield maestros who could control games and make things happen.
Attacking Talents
Leicester City has had some incredible attacking talents over the years, and this section will highlight some of the best. From Arthur Chandler to Riyad Mahrez to James Maddison, these players have all made a significant impact on the club’s history.
Arthur Chandler
Arthur Chandler is widely regarded as one of Leicester City’s greatest ever players. He scored an incredible 273 goals in 419 appearances for the club, making him their all-time leading scorer. Chandler was a prolific goalscorer, and his record of 34 goals in the 1928-29 season still stands to this day. He was also a member of the Leicester City team that won the FA Cup in 1949, scoring a goal in the final. Chandler’s goalscoring exploits make him a true legend of the club, and his record may never be broken.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez was a key player in the Leicester City team that won the Premier League in 2016. The Algerian winger scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists that season, helping the Foxes to an unlikely title triumph. Mahrez’s performances earned him the PFA Player of the Year award for the 2015-16 season, and he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year. His skill, pace, and eye for goal made him a constant threat to opposition defenses, and he will always be remembered as one of Leicester City’s greatest ever players.
James Maddison
James Maddison has quickly established himself as one of Leicester City’s most important players since joining the club in 2018. The attacking midfielder has a keen eye for goal and is also an excellent creator, with his passing and vision causing problems for opposition defenses. In his first season at the club, Maddison scored seven goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League, helping Leicester City to a ninth-place finish. He has continued to impress in the following seasons, and his performances have earned him a call-up to the England national team. Maddison’s ability to create and score goals make him a vital player for Leicester City, and he has the potential to become one of the club’s all-time greats.
Iconic Goalkeepers
Leicester City has been home to some of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. In this section, we will look at two of the most iconic goalkeepers to have played for the Foxes: Peter Shilton and Kasper Schmeichel.
Peter Shilton
Peter Shilton is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in English football history. He joined Leicester City in 1966 and played for the club for five seasons. During his time at Leicester, Shilton made 202 appearances and helped the team win the Second Division title in the 1970-71 season.
Shilton was known for his incredible reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and commanding presence in the box. He also played for England for 16 years, earning a record 125 caps and playing in three World Cups.
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel is a Danish goalkeeper who has been a mainstay in the Leicester City team since he joined the club in 2011. He has played a crucial role in the Foxes’ recent success, including their historic Premier League title win in the 2015-16 season.
Schmeichel is known for his excellent shot-stopping ability, his command of the box, and his leadership skills. He has made over 400 appearances for Leicester City, and his performances have earned him numerous accolades, including the Premier League Golden Glove in the 2018-19 season.
Overall, Peter Shilton and Kasper Schmeichel are two of the greatest goalkeepers to have played for Leicester City. They both played a crucial role in the team’s success and will always be remembered as legends of the club.
Captains and Leaders
Leicester City has had many great captains and leaders throughout its history. They have been instrumental in leading the team to success and inspiring their teammates to perform at their best. Here are some of the most notable captains and leaders in Leicester City’s history.
Steve Walsh
Steve Walsh is one of Leicester City’s most iconic captains. He led the team to promotion to the Premier League in the 1993-94 season and was a key player in the team that won the League Cup in 1997 and reached the final again in 1999. Walsh was a fierce and passionate leader who always gave his all for the team.
Wes Morgan
Wes Morgan was the captain of Leicester City’s historic Premier League-winning team in the 2015-16 season. He was a rock at the heart of the defense and his leadership was crucial in inspiring the team to perform at their best. Morgan was a calm and composed leader who always led by example on the pitch.
Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker may not have been a captain at Leicester City, but he was certainly a leader on the pitch. He was the team’s top scorer in every season he played for the club and led them to promotion to the First Division in the 1982-83 season. Lineker was a natural leader who always led by example with his clinical finishing and tireless work rate.
Matt Elliott
Matt Elliott was the captain of Leicester City’s League Cup-winning team in 2000. He was a towering presence at the back and his leadership was crucial in inspiring the team to victory. Elliott was a no-nonsense defender who always gave his all for the team.
Leicester City has had many great captains and leaders over the years, and these are just a few of the most notable. They have all played a crucial role in inspiring their teammates and leading the team to success.
Recent Heroes
Leicester City has had many talented players over the years, but some have stood out in recent times. Here are two recent heroes who have made a significant impact on the team:
Danny Drinkwater
Danny Drinkwater was a key player in Leicester City’s Premier League-winning team in the 2015-2016 season. He played as a central midfielder and was known for his excellent passing and work rate. Drinkwater was also a regular in the England national team during his time at Leicester City.
However, after the Premier League win, Drinkwater’s form declined, and he struggled to maintain his place in the team. He eventually left Leicester City for Chelsea in 2017 but failed to make an impact there. He was loaned out to Burnley and Aston Villa before leaving Chelsea permanently in 2020.
Despite his struggles after leaving Leicester City, Drinkwater will always be remembered as a key player in the team’s historic Premier League win.
Marc Albrighton
Marc Albrighton is another recent hero for Leicester City. He joined the team in 2014 and has been a consistent performer ever since. Albrighton is a versatile player who can play on either wing, and he is known for his excellent crossing ability.
Albrighton played a key role in Leicester City’s Premier League win in the 2015-2016 season, providing crucial assists and scoring important goals. He has also been a regular in the team in the years since, and his experience and leadership have been invaluable.
Albrighton’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and he has been praised by fans and pundits alike. He has also been called up to the England national team several times, although he has yet to make his debut.
Overall, Danny Drinkwater and Marc Albrighton are two recent heroes who have made a significant impact on Leicester City. Their contributions have helped the team achieve success and cement their place in the club’s history.
Club Record Breakers
Leicester City has had many great players over the years, but some have stood out for their incredible achievements and record-breaking performances. Here are some of the most notable club record breakers in Leicester City history:
Graham Cross: With 600 appearances, Cross is the most capped player in Leicester City history. He played for the club from 1961 to 1975 and was a key member of the team that won the Second Division title in 1971.
Jamie Vardy: Vardy is one of the most prolific goal scorers in Leicester City history, with 223 goals to his name. He also holds the record for scoring in the most consecutive Premier League games, with 11 goals in 11 games during the 2015-2016 season.
Adam Black: Black played for Leicester City from 1920 to 1935 and holds the record for the most league appearances, with 528. He was a key member of the team that won the Second Division title in 1925.
Arthur Chandler: Chandler is Leicester City’s all-time leading scorer, with 273 goals in 419 appearances. He played for the club from 1923 to 1935 and was a key member of the team that won the First Division title in 1929.
Kasper Schmeichel: Schmeichel is one of the most successful goalkeepers in Leicester City history, having won the Premier League title with the club in 2016. He also holds the record for the most clean sheets, with 159 in 479 appearances.
These players have left an indelible mark on Leicester City history, and their achievements will be remembered by fans for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the most legendary Leicester City players in history?
Leicester City has had many legendary players over the years, but some of the most notable ones include Gary Lineker, Peter Shilton, and Frank Worthington. Lineker is widely considered one of the greatest strikers in English football history and played for Leicester City from 1978 to 1985. Shilton is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time and played for Leicester City from 1966 to 1974. Worthington is another legendary striker who played for the club from 1972 to 1977.
Which player holds the record for most goals scored for Leicester City?
The player who holds the record for most goals scored for Leicester City is Arthur Chandler, who scored an impressive 273 goals for the club between 1923 and 1935.
Who has been named Leicester City Player of the Year the most times?
The player who has been named Leicester City Player of the Year the most times is Steve Walsh, who won the award four times between 1989 and 1996.
What defenders are considered Leicester City’s greatest of all time?
Leicester City has had many great defenders throughout its history, but some of the most notable ones include Steve Walsh, Gerry Taggart, and Matt Elliott. Walsh, as mentioned earlier, was also a four-time Player of the Year and is widely considered one of the club’s greatest players of all time. Taggart played for the club from 1998 to 2004 and was known for his physical presence and no-nonsense defending. Elliott played for the club from 1997 to 2005 and was a key member of the team that won promotion to the Premier League in 2003.
Can you list some of the most notable captains in Leicester City’s history?
Leicester City has had many great captains over the years, but some of the most notable ones include Matt Elliott, Steve Walsh, and Wes Morgan. Elliott and Walsh were both mentioned earlier as great defenders and captains, while Morgan was the captain of the Leicester City team that famously won the Premier League in the 2015-2016 season.
Which goalkeepers have had the most impact at Leicester City?
Leicester City has had many great goalkeepers over the years, but some of the most notable ones include Peter Shilton, Kasper Schmeichel, and Gordon Banks. Shilton and Banks were both mentioned earlier as legendary players, while Schmeichel has been a key member of the Leicester City team since joining the club in 2011 and played a crucial role in the team’s Premier League title win in 2016.
