Leicester City’s journey from Premier League champions to relegation contenders has been a dramatic and heartbreaking fall from grace. A club that once stunned the football world by clinching the 2015-16 title against all odds now faces a grim reality — back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to League One. This article takes a deeper look into the highs and lows of Leicester's rollercoaster decade.
A Dream Season in 2015-16
Leicester’s fairy-tale Premier League triumph in 2015-16 is one of the most remarkable stories in English football history. At the start of the season, their odds of winning the league were a staggering 5,000/1. Yet, by the end of the campaign, Leicester had defied every expectation, finishing with 81 points and securing Champions League football. Arsenal finished second, trailing with 71 points, while Tottenham took third with 70 points.
The Decline Begins
Leicester City become only the fifth team in Premier League history to suffer back-to-back relegations from the England's first division to League One 💔 pic.twitter.com/IEscO0t28r
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 21, 2026
Since their unforgettable Premier League title, the Foxes’ fortunes have drastically shifted. The latest blow came when Leicester, after spending just one season back in the Premier League, were relegated from the EFL Championship and are now on the brink of dropping into League One, the third tier of English football. The Foxes have managed only 42 points from 44 games, leaving them unable to catch 21st-place Blackburn, who have accumulated 49 points.
The Impact of Financial Issues and Poor Recruitment
Leicester’s struggles have been compounded by off-field financial issues. In February, the club was hit with a six-point deduction for breaching financial regulations, which put them further behind in the race to avoid relegation. The club’s squad, largely composed of players from their relegation season, has lacked the quality needed to keep them competitive. Despite the arrival of manager Gary Rowett in February, Leicester’s squad has not seen the necessary improvements to fend off the drop. Key players like Patson Daka, Ricardo Pereira, and Jordan Ayew have failed to deliver the performances expected at this level.
The Future for Leicester
As Leicester face the consequences of their struggles, they will be keeping an eye on the situation at West Bromwich Albion, whose own financial problems could lead to a points deduction. However, Leicester’s current situation appears grim, with Oxford United also ahead of them in the relegation battle. The future for Leicester’s young talents, like Abdul Fatawu and Jeremy Monga, may lie elsewhere, as many clubs are likely to express interest in these rising stars.
The club’s loyal supporters have witnessed one of the greatest triumphs in football, but now they must brace themselves for what could be a long and painful rebuilding process. The story of Leicester City has taken a dramatic turn, and it remains to be seen whether they can bounce back from these consecutive relegations.
