EPL: Leicester City Celebrates Jamie Vardy's Legacy with 2-0 Win Over Ipswich

Leicester City bid farewell to Jamie Vardy in style, winning 2-0 against Ipswich Town, with Vardy netting his 200th goal for the club. Read the match report.

Jamie Vardy bowed out at Leicester City in characteristic fashion, netting his 200th goal for the Foxes in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. The 38-year-old striker scored his 10th goal of the season, marking a fitting milestone in his 500th and final appearance for the club.

Jamie Vardy scores his 200th @LCFC goal in his farewell match for the Foxes 🐐#LEIIPS pic.twitter.com/t554dYEQfk

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025

Vardy, the last remaining member of Leicester's 2016 title-winning squad still at the club, will depart at the end of his contract and opted not to play in the final match against Bournemouth next Sunday. Instead, he chose to conclude his Leicester career at King Power Stadium.

Kasey McAteer scored a second goal, but the spotlight shone brightly on Jamie Vardy as the day marked a significant milestone. Thirteen years had passed since Vardy joined the club from Fleetwood for £1 million, and the occasion was celebrated in style. As a token of appreciation, Vardy was given a guard of honor by his teammates when he was substituted off the field with 10 minutes remaining.

In the buildup to the match, thousands of flags bearing the words “Thank you, Vards” were distributed among the supporters, while banners featuring the striker were prominently displayed at both ends of the stadium. The festivities needed the perfect punctuation, and Vardy delivered with a goal. Following an impressive 50-yard run from James Justin, Vardy coolly rolled the ball past Alex Palmer in the 28th minute, sealing the momentous occasion.

Jamie Vardy's 200th and final @LCFC goal, on his farewell appearance 🥹
pic.twitter.com/Jie6Tkd9pM

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025

Ipswich had opportunities to disrupt the celebratory atmosphere, with Leif Davis hitting the post and Omari Hutchinson shooting over just before halftime. The Foxes also had a close call when Kasey McAteer struck the post, but the midfielder eventually sealed the win with a well-placed shot from a tight angle in the second half.

The match itself took a backseat as the spotlight shone on Jamie Vardy, with the striker's milestone overshadowing the game. Vardy's departure leaves a significant void at Leicester, both on and off the pitch. As the dominant figure in the team's success over the past decade, the club must now navigate a new era without their record-breaking striker. Despite initial doubts about his suitability after joining from Fleetwood in 2012, Vardy consistently delivered for the Foxes, culminating in a fitting farewell with his 200th goal for the club.

When Jamie Vardy first joined Leicester City, the idea that he would one day depart as a Premier League and FA Cup winner would have seemed laughable. Yet, the former England international has cemented his legacy as a club icon, taking the Foxes to unprecedented heights.

As Leicester prepares for a return to the Championship, the club faces a new era without Vardy. They will need to find a new hero for fans to rally behind, particularly during a time when the relationship between supporters and the club's leadership is strained.

For Ipswich, the day will be one to forget, with little to cherish or recall fondly. They'll likely return to the King Power Stadium next season, competing in the Championship, with the expectation that both teams will push for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Ipswich striker Liam Delap remained unused on the bench until the final 19 minutes, giving the traveling supporters a glimpse of what the team might look like without him next season. With a £30 million release clause now triggered due to relegation, Delap is widely expected to depart the club.

Like Leicester, Southampton will need to address the void left by Adam Armstrong's departure, but they remain optimistic about their chances of bouncing back ahead of the relegated teams. In contrast, Leicester is still navigating internal challenges and uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ipswich, despite being relegated, feels united and confident in their ability to secure a swift return to the top flight.

Southampton is also in a period of transition, still searching for a new manager after narrowly avoiding a record-low points total in the Premier League. Despite the setback, Ipswich exudes a sense of unity and optimism, believing they have the right foundation to make an immediate return to the top tier.