Another Year ‘Round the Sun for Declan Rice | OneFootball

Born on January 14, 1999, in Kingston upon Thames, England, Declan Rice is a defensive midfield powerhouse celebrated for his versatility, leadership, and composure on the pitch.

Early Years and Rise to Prominence

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Declan Rice of West Ham United embraces Mason Mount of Chelsea after the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on April 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Rice joined Chelsea’s youth academy at seven years old. Released in 2013 at 14 years of age, he tried out and was accepted into the West Ham academy. His perseverance in the face of adversity was a trait that made him stand out to his coaches. He excelled playing for the U-23 team, earning him a promotion to the first team two years after his move. While still a teenager, he recorded his 50th appearance for the Hammers. At 20 years old, he wore the captain’s armband for the first time. In the 2019-20 season he played every minute of the team’s 38 fixtures.

This leadership, grit and stamina, as well as his ability to read the game, break up opposition attacks and dictate play from midfield, showed maturity beyond his years and elevated him above others.

International Stardom

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Rice was eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland through his grandparents, and in early 2018 made three appearances for them. However, he was approached by England manager Gareth Southgate, and a year later switched allegiance to the Lions. This move proved instrumental in England’s campaigns, with Rice playing a pivotal role in their run to the UEFA Euro 2020 final and solidifying himself as a mainstay in the squad.

Move to Arsenal

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After his 245th game for West Ham, in which he anchored the Hammers victory over Fiorentina in the 2023 Europa Conference League, Rice made a record-breaking transfer to Arsenal. The £100M transfer fee (plus add-ons) equalled the fee paid for Jack Grealish by Manchester City. His first game for the Gunners was the 2023 Community Shield, which they won in a shootout.  He continues to shine at Arsenal, leading the midfield with authority and proving to be an indispensable asset for Mikel Arteta’s team.

Celebrating Excellence

To summarize, at just 26 years of age, Declan Rice has already achieved remarkable milestones in his career, with plenty more chapters to write. Off the pitch, his humility and connection with fans make him a beloved figure in the footballing world.