Only nine seasons ago, Leicester City stunned the football world by clinching the 2015–16 Premier League title as 5,000‑1 outsiders—a triumph born from astute recruitment (Mahrez, Vardy, Kante), tactical cohesion, and team spirit that eclipsed financial limitations.
They followed it up with their first-ever FA Cup in 2021, backed by strong top‑five finishes and European qualification, cementing their place in the top flight.
Yet since then, fortunes have devolved. By 2022–23, Leicester were relegated from the Premier League, ending nine consecutive years at the top level.
Despite immediate promotion via winning the 2023–24 Championship, Leicester promptly slipped back into the second tier in 2024–25, confirming their second relegation in three seasons after a catastrophic run: one win in 19 games, no home goals across eight matches, and managerial chaos involving Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Why Leicester went from crowning glory to yo‑yo club
- Post‑title disintegration:
Sacking Claudio Ranieri in 2017—just months after their historic title—and losing key players like Kante and Mahrez destabilised squad identity and performance. - Financial mismanagement & ownership shifts:
Success strained their model—crippling moves included heavy stadium and training ground investment (£150 m) and reckless ambition that clashed with sustainable governance. - Poor recruitment and squad aging:
Older players like Jamie Vardy remained key too long, while replacements like Edouard and Fatawu failed to compensate—turning what had been a strength into structural weakness. - High managerial turnover:
Leicester went through multiple coaches—Cooper, Smith, van Nistelrooy—all within a turbulent season. - Structural erosion:
As a steadily sinking club, Leicester failed to modernise scouting, infrastructure and leadership. Fan trust fell, protests grew, and sustainability unraveled.
A hard‑earned lesson in modern football volatility
Once lauded as a template for underdog success, Leicester have now earned the label of classic “yo‑yo club”, swung between promotion and relegation. The recent relegation—to the Championship for 2025–26—underscores a broader instability that plagues clubs unable to build infrastructure resilient to managerial and financial turbulence.
Their Championship success in 2023–24—earning 97 points to win the title—suggested resurgence. But it was paper-thin: Leicester failed to adapt at Premier League level, lacked depth, lost momentum, and suffered a crippled attack and defence
About the author
Conseil des ministres au Burkina Faso : session présidée par Ibrahim Traoré à Ouagadougou
Le Conseil des ministres du Burkina Faso s’est réuni à Ouagadougou le jeudi 12 mars 2026 pour une séance ordinaire présidée par Ibrahim Traoré, Président du Faso et Président du Conseil des ministres. La réunion s’est tenue de 09 h 00 à 11 h 01 et a permis d’examiner plusieurs dossiers inscrits à l’ordre du jour. Principaux points abordés Au cours de cette séance, le Conseil des ministres a : délibéré sur plusieurs dossiers relatifs à la gestion des affaires de l’État ; entendu une communication orale portant sur des questions d’intérêt national ; procédé à des nominations dans l’administration publique ; autorisé certaines missions officielles à l’étranger. Cette session s’inscrit dans le cadre des réunions ordinaires du gouvernement visant à assurer la conduite des politiques publiques, la coordination de l’action gouvernementale et le suivi des décisions de l’exécutif. Le […]
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong Thanks Mahama for Appointment as Fire Service Chief
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the Chief Fire Officer and Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, has expressed deep appreciation to John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to lead the service. Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Madam Ntow Sarpong also extended her gratitude to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the governing National Democratic Congress for the confidence placed in her leadership. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana, and the entire NDC government for the confidence reposed in me and for honouring me with this leadership role,” she said. Commitment to Serve The Fire Chief pledged to meet the expectations attached to the position, assuring both government and the public of her dedication to the role. “I pledge to fulfil my mandate and discharge my duties […]
No Ghanaian Casualties in Middle East Tensions – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured following the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, as government steps up efforts to protect its citizens in the region. In a Facebook update on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister revealed that he convened a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General across the Middle East to assess the situation and coordinate further consular interventions. “This evening, I convened a virtual meeting with our Ambassadors and Consuls General in the Middle East to assess the latest developments and explore further consular interventions towards the protection of Ghanaians,” he stated. Diplomatic Coordination Across the Region Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Turkey participated in the discussions. “I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian […]
IET-GH Marks World Engineering Day, Highlights Engineers’ Role in Ghana’s Development
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana has joined the global engineering community in marking World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, observed annually on March 4 and endorsed by UNESCO. In a statement issued to commemorate the day, the Institution highlighted the central role engineers play in Ghana’s development. It noted that engineering remains vital to infrastructure delivery, environmental protection, industrial growth, and technological progress. Engineering at the Heart of National Development According to IET-GH, Ghanaian engineers are providing practical solutions to major national challenges, including climate change, sanitation, energy transition, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The Institution reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards, innovation, and professional excellence, stressing that the country’s long-term growth will depend heavily on the expertise, creativity, and integrity of its engineers. It also encouraged young people to consider careers in engineering, describing the profession […]
Ga Traditional Council Summons KOKA Over Comments About COCOBOD CEO
The Ga Traditional Council has summoned entertainment critic Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, over comments he allegedly made on social media concerning the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randey Abbey. In a formal letter, the Council directed KOKA to appear before Ga chiefs and priests at the Ga Mantse Palace on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The traditional authorities stressed the importance of his presence, urging him to treat the invitation with urgency and seriousness. “Your presence is respectfully requested to address the matter and offer any necessary explanations. Kindly treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves,” the letter stated. The correspondence was signed by the Secretary of the Court of Priests of Ga, acting on behalf of the Chief Priest of the Ga Traditional Area.
Ghana to Declare 21 Marine Protected Areas Starting at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana is preparing to declare 21 coastal communities as Marine Protected Areas in a major step toward restoring marine biodiversity and strengthening fisheries management. The first declaration is expected to take place at Greater Cape Three Points in the Western Region. Once designated, fishing activities within the protected zones will be restricted to allow depleted fish stocks to recover. Part of the Global 30×30 Target The move forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 target, which calls for the protection of at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. The goal falls under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework and has been adopted by more than 190 countries. Despite the widespread commitment, progress remains slow. Since 2022, global reviews show that only about 2.9 percent of the ocean is fully or highly […]
Related
Messi reaches 900 career goals as Inter Miami crash out of Champions Cup
Lionel Messi scored the 900th goal of his professional career but could not stop Inter Miami from exiting the CONCACAF Champions Cup on away goals after a 1 1 draw with Nashville SC in Fort Lauderdale . Messi, 38, struck after just seven minutes to give Miami the lead in the second leg of their last 16 tie at Chase Stadium, raising hopes of a memorable night for the MLS champions . However, Nashville’s Cristian Espinoza fired in a 74th minute equaliser to level the tie 1 1 on aggregate, and the visitors then held firm to progress to the quarter finals on the away goals rule . The result turned what began as a celebration of Messi’s milestone into a bittersweet farewell, as the game was also Inter Miami’s last appearance at their Chase Stadium home before moving to […]
Iran says it will boycott US not World Cup over 2026 venue row
Iran will boycott the United States but not the 2026 World Cup itself, according to Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj . In a video released by Iranian news agency Fars, Taj said Iran will continue preparing for the tournament but wants its matches moved away from US venues . He explained that the federation is in talks with FIFA about relocating Iran’s World Cup group games, which are currently scheduled to be played in the United States . Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country is ready to host Iran’s first round games if required, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East . She told reporters that Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with all countries and will wait for FIFA’s decision, but confirmed that Mexico is open to staging the fixtures . Iran are due to face New Zealand […]
Osimhen Aina miss out as Chelle names Super Eagles squad for Iran Jordan friendlies
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has left out in form striker Victor Osimhen and defender Ola Aina from his 23 man squad for this month’s international friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey . Team captain Wilfred Ndidi, playmaker Alex Iwobi and forward Ademola Lookman all made the list for the two matches, which will now be played in Antalya after being moved from Amman because of the conflict in the Middle East . An official told NationSport that Osimhen, who is in excellent form for Galatasaray, and Nottingham Forest full back Aina both asked to be excused from the mini tournament for personal reasons . Nigeria will face Iran on Friday, March 27, at 4 p.m. local time and then play Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, at 8 p.m., with both games taking place in Antalya . The […]
Enzo Fernandez unsure over Chelsea future after Champions League exit
Enzo Fernandez has hinted he could leave Chelsea at the end of the season after the club were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain . Chelsea lost 3 0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, completing an 8 3 aggregate defeat in their last 16 tie against the French champions . The world club champions are currently sixth in the Premier League and risk missing out on Champions League qualification for next season . Fernandez captained Chelsea in the second leg in the absence of injured skipper Reece James but did little to end speculation about his future when speaking after the game . Asked by ESPN if he would still be at Stamford Bridge next season, the 25 year old Argentina midfielder replied that there are eight league matches and the FA Cup still to play, […]
Chelle drops Osimhen Nwabali as he unveils Super Eagles squad for friendlies
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman in a 23 man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey . The matches, originally scheduled for Amman, were moved to Antalya following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East, according to a statement by Nigeria Football Federation Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire . Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 in Antalya at 4 p.m. and then play Jordan on March 31 at 8 p.m. as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures . Chelle also handed call ups to Maduka Okoye, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu, among others . Debut invitations went to Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor, while goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo returned to the […]
Senegal fans brand AFCON title loss to Morocco a disgrace for Africa
Senegalese football fans have condemned the decision to strip their country of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco, calling the move a disgrace for Africa . Many supporters in Dakar said they were shocked to wake up to the news that the Confederation of African Football had overturned Senegal’s victory in the final played in Rabat on January 18 . CAF ruled late on Tuesday that Senegal had forfeited the match after several of their players walked off the pitch in stoppage time to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco, before later returning to continue the game . Morocco missed the penalty and Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure a 1 0 win, but CAF’s appeals committee later applied competition rules stating that any team that refuses to play or leaves […]