Quick Read
- Jamie Vardy left Leicester City in 2024 after 13 seasons and 200 goals.
- Now playing for Cremonese in Serie A, Vardy has scored four goals in nine appearances.
- Cremonese manager Davide Nicola calls Vardy a ‘role model’ for his team.
- Vardy and his wife Rebekah have an estimated net worth of £12 million.
- Vardy’s home in Italy was recently burgled during a match in Rome.
From Non-League Hopeful to Italian Inspiration
Few football stories are as improbable—and as inspiring—as that of Jamie Vardy. Over a decade ago, Leicester City took a calculated gamble, investing £1 million to pluck Vardy from Fleetwood Town, a non-league side. What followed was nothing short of a footballing fairy tale: Vardy’s relentless drive and nose for goal powered Leicester to their miraculous Premier League title in 2016 and an FA Cup triumph, among countless unforgettable moments. After 13 seasons, 500 appearances, and 200 goals in a blue shirt, Vardy became synonymous with Leicester City’s ascent. But in 2024, as the sun set on his time at King Power Stadium, a new dawn awaited him—this time, under the Italian sky.
New Horizons: Vardy’s Serie A Adventure
When news broke that Jamie Vardy was headed to Cremonese, newly promoted to Italy’s top flight, fans and pundits alike were surprised. Despite interest from lucrative leagues in America and Saudi Arabia, Vardy opted for a challenge over comfort, football over finance. At 38, with the world expecting a gentle wind-down, Vardy instead chose to test himself against Serie A’s notoriously tactical defenses. After a slow start—hardly surprising, given he missed pre-season—Vardy is quickly becoming a favorite in Cremona.
His impact was felt most recently in Cremonese’s remarkable 3-1 away win over Bologna, a team unbeaten in 12 matches. Vardy struck twice, one goal in each half, demonstrating the same predatory instincts that made him a Premier League icon. Those two goals brought his tally to four in nine appearances—a testament to his enduring quality and adaptability (Daily Pioneer).
Role Model On and Off the Field
Vardy’s influence isn’t confined to goals alone. Cremonese manager Davide Nicola was quick to praise the Englishman’s attitude and professionalism, calling him a ‘role model’ for the squad. “Great champions are incredibly straightforward, and they already know what they have to do on the pitch and how to do it. A true champion never makes mistakes in his approach and is always constructive,” Nicola told Gazzetta dello Sport (via Leicester Mercury).
Vardy’s determination and winning mentality have begun to rub off on his new teammates. For a club widely tipped for relegation, his arrival has been a breath of fresh air—both on match days and in training. His integration, supported by a welcoming dressing room, has helped Cremonese defy expectations and climb to 11th place in Serie A.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
While Vardy’s footballing journey continues in Italy, his legacy is already secure. His career has not only been about goals and trophies but also about building a life beyond football. Together with his wife Rebekah, Vardy has cultivated a net worth estimated at £12 million (Football League World). This fortune has been amassed not just through lucrative playing contracts—reportedly peaking at £100,000 per week during his Leicester days—but also through endorsements with brands like Nike and Adidas, an autobiography, and the establishment of the V9 Academy, designed to give non-league players a pathway into professional football.
Rebekah Vardy, meanwhile, has become a celebrity in her own right, appearing on high-profile television shows such as “Dancing On Ice” and “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” Her media ventures have further boosted the family’s profile and financial security.
Challenges Off the Pitch
Not all news has been positive. Vardy recently endured a personal setback when, according to UK media reports, his home near Lake Garda was burgled while he was away playing a match in Rome. Thieves reportedly made off with £80,000 worth of valuables—a reminder that even the most successful athletes are not immune to adversity (Daily Pioneer).
The Next Chapter: What Lies Ahead?
As the 2024/25 season progresses, Vardy’s contract with Cremonese is set to expire in the summer, though the club retains an option to extend for another year if they stay in Serie A. Whether or not he continues in Italy, Vardy has already proven that passion and professionalism can bridge generations and geographies. In a league renowned for its tactical discipline and defensive acumen, Vardy’s pace, movement, and relentless spirit stand out as much as ever.
Back in Leicester, fans still reminisce about his iconic runs, the fairy-tale title charge, and his status as one of the greatest bargains in football history. Yet in Cremona, a new group of supporters is discovering what makes Jamie Vardy special: the hunger, humility, and sheer joy he brings to the beautiful game. His story, far from winding down, is being rewritten—one goal at a time.
Jamie Vardy’s ongoing success at Cremonese is a testament to resilience and reinvention. At 39, he remains not just a goal scorer but a leader and role model, proving that the end of one journey can be the thrilling beginning of another. For both Leicester and Cremonese, Vardy’s impact will be felt long after the final whistle.