Leicester City 2016 Title Winners: Where are they now in 2026?

When Leicester City stunned the football world by winning the Premier League in 2016, it was more than a title; it was a football fairytale. The 2015/16 season delivered something extraordinary. Leicester City, a side tipped for relegation, defied 5000-1 odds to win the Premier League.

Built on resilience, smart recruitment, and exceptional team spirit, Claudio Ranieri’s squad rewrote history. A decade on, the heroes of that campaign have taken vastly different paths across football and beyond.

Ten years on, Sportsligue revisits the core figures of that historic campaign, exploring not just where they are now, but how their journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of the game.

The Last Line of Defence

Kasper Schmeichel

No player symbolised Leicester’s resilience more than Schmeichel. Ever-present during the title run, his leadership and shot-stopping laid the foundation for success. He later captained the club to FA Cup glory in 2021, cementing his legendary status.

His departure in 2022 marked the end of an era. Stints with Nice and Anderlecht followed before he joined Celtic FC. Now approaching 40, injuries and contract uncertainty have placed his future under scrutiny. Still, his legacy at Leicester is untouchable, a modern great who carried the weight of history and expectation.

A Backline built on Steel and Simplicity

Danny Simpson

Danny Simpson’s rise from squad player to undisputed starter mirrored Leicester’s own transformation. From October 2015, he never relinquished his place.

Post-Leicester, his career gradually wound down through lower-league football. Retirement opened new doors, media appearances, punditry, and even a venture into exhibition boxing. His journey reflects the evolving identity of modern footballers beyond the pitch.

Robert Huth

A two-time Premier League winner before arriving at Leicester, Robert Huth brought experience and composure. His physical presence and leadership were crucial in high-pressure moments.

Recurring injuries forced an early retirement in 2019, but his connection to Leicester endured. Returning in a backroom capacity as loan manager, he played a quiet but important role in player development before stepping away again in 2024.

Wes Morgan

Captain. Leader. Legend.

Wes Morgan’s story is inseparable from Leicester’s triumph. Playing every minute of the title-winning campaign, he embodied consistency and calm authority. His final act, lifting the FA Cup in 2021, was a fitting farewell.

Today, he continues shaping football from behind the scenes, working in recruitment at Nottingham Forest. His transition reflects a growing trend of former players influencing the game structurally rather than just emotionally.

Christian Fuchs

Christian Fuchs brought energy, intelligence, and attacking width to Leicester’s left flank. His personality also made him a fan favourite.

Since retiring, his career has taken a fascinating turn. After a spell in MLS with Charlotte FC, he moved into coaching. Now managing Newport County, he is navigating the challenges of lower-league football management, proof that the learning curve never ends.

The Engine Room that powered the Impossible

Marc Albrighton

Often overlooked, Marc Albrighton was one of the most consistent performers of the title season. His work rate, crossing ability, and tactical discipline made him indispensable.

After retiring in 2024, he stepped into punditry but remains emotionally tied to Leicester, famously offering to return during a difficult spell. His story is one of loyalty and understated excellence.

Danny Drinkwater

Danny Drinkwater’s trajectory is perhaps the most cautionary. A key cog in Leicester’s midfield, his performances earned an England call-up and a high-profile move to Chelsea. But what followed was a difficult chapter marked by injuries, loan spells, and lost momentum.

He retired in 2023, later admitting he had fallen out of love with football. Now focused on property development, his journey highlights how quickly fortunes can change at the highest level.

N'Golo Kanté

If Leicester’s title had a heartbeat, it was Kanté. Relentless, intelligent, and endlessly energetic, he redefined the role of a defensive midfielder. His move to Chelsea brought further success, Premier League and Champions League titles among them.

A stint in Saudi Arabia expanded his global footprint, and he now continues his career at Fenerbache, still firmly in the conversation for international honours.

The Creative Spark and Cutting Edge

Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez was magic.

With 17 goals and 11 assists, he didn’t just contribute; he transformed games. His flair, vision, and composure made him the league’s standout player, earning him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.

His move to Manchester City elevated him further, where he collected multiple league titles and a Champions League medal. Now at Al Ahli, he continues to influence games with the same elegance that defined Leicester’s golden season.

Jamie Vardy

The face of the fairytale.

Vardy’s journey from non-league football to Premier League champion remains one of the most remarkable stories in sport. His 24-goal haul powered Leicester to glory and earned him individual honours.

Leaving as the club’s all-time great, with 200 goals in 500 appearances, he now continues his career in Italy, still defying expectations with his pace and instinct.

Shinji Okazaki

While others grabbed headlines, Shinji Okazaki did the unseen work.

His pressing, movement, and selflessness were vital to Leicester’s system. After spells across Spain and Belgium, he retired in 2024 and turned to development, founding a club aimed at nurturing Japanese talent in Europe.

His post-playing path reflects a commitment to giving back to the game.

The Architect of the Miracle

Claudio Ranieri

Few managerial achievements compare to what Claudio Ranieri accomplished in 2016.

Initially seen as an uninspired appointment, he transformed a group of overlooked players into champions. His man-management, humility, and tactical clarity created the perfect environment for belief to flourish.

Though his Leicester tenure ended abruptly, his legacy remains untarnished. After further managerial roles across Europe, he now serves as a senior advisor at AS Roma, a fitting role for a man whose wisdom reshaped football history.

More than a Title - A Legacy that endures

Leicester’s triumph was not just about lifting a trophy. It challenged assumptions, inspired underdogs, and reminded the football world that unpredictability is its greatest strength.

Even a decade later, clubs, analysts, and fans continue to reference the 2016 season as proof that structure, belief, and cohesion can overcome financial disparity.

Each member of that squad has taken a different path, some reaching greater heights, others stepping away quietly, but together, they remain part of something timeless. A team that didn’t just win the league. A team that changed what we believe is possible.