From Premier League Glory to Yo-Yo Club – Leicester’s Dramatic Decade
On the 10-year anniversary of Leicester City's title triumph - 2 May 2026 - the Foxes will face another Premier League title winner in the form of Blackburn

From Premier League Glory to Yo-Yo Club – Leicester’s Dramatic Decade

Leicester City: A Decade of Triumph, Tragedy, and Turmoil

The last 10 years at Leicester City have delivered unforgettable highs and crushing lows. From the 2016 Premier League title to FA Cup glory and Champions League nights, the Foxes became one of football’s greatest underdog stories.

But in 2025, as they mark the 10-year anniversary of that title, Leicester are back in the Championship for the second time in three years, facing uncertainty over potential points deductions for alleged spending rule breaches.

From Champions to Challengers

Leicester’s golden period began with their return to the Premier League in 2014, a miraculous relegation escape under Nigel Pearson, and that famous 5,000-1 title win under Claudio Ranieri.

They went on to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, win the FA Cup in 2021, and make a European semi-final. But financial strain, poor recruitment, and PSR (Profit & Sustainability Rules) investigations have hit hard.

A record £215m loss over three years forced the sale of key players like Harry Maguire and Riyad Mahrez, yet investment failed to match ambition. The result: relegation in 2023 and again in 2025.

Vardy’s Departure Marks End of an Era

With Jamie Vardy – the last Premier League title hero – leaving this summer, the Foxes close the chapter on their most successful side. New manager Marti Cifuentes inherits a squad lacking reinforcements, with only Asmir Begovic arriving so far.

Cifuentes says he embraces the expectation:

“I like to be at places where expectations are high because it means ambition. There’s pressure to deliver, and I’m ready for that.”

A Club That Never Stands Still

Former Leicester coach Mike Stowell says the club’s success was never sustainable without major reinvestment:

“If you stand still in football, you go backwards. After the title win, investment was minimal and we were always playing catch-up.”

The Foxes now hope to repeat their immediate return to the Premier League, but face a fierce Championship and stricter financial limits.

Memories That Last Forever

For academy graduate Ben Nelson, who was a ball boy during the title win, the challenge ahead is clear:

“It’s a reset. We have to take it one step at a time and focus on this season first.”

The spirit of 2016 still burns bright at the King Power Stadium – but whether Leicester can rise again remains to be seen.

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