The end of 2024 is here and it’s been a turbulent one for Leicester City.
From securing promotion back to the Premier League by winning the Championship title, to having three managers in a calendar year, it hasn’t been dull at the King Power Stadium.
Enzo Maresca started the year off by winning the league at the first attempt before departing for Chelsea and being replaced by Steve Cooper.
It was a move that never seemed to work and Cooper inevitably lost the Leicester dressing room before being dismissed in November.
Ruud van Nistelrooy replaced the Welshman and as we head into 2025, the Foxes currently sit in the relegation zone.
While it may be ending on a sour note, there was still plenty to celebrate and a lot to look forward to next year.
But first, we wanted to celebrate the achievements of the last 12 months. So, with that, here are Leicester City News’ 2024 awards, where each of our writers have put forward their claim in each category.
Best Leicester City player of 2024
Callum Boyle: Only one name comes to mind, it’s Mads Hermansen. Without his presence in goal this season, Leicester could’ve been as good as down this season and the Championship title win would’ve been even closer. Hermansen is outperforming every Premier League ‘keeper and he is a huge fan favourite.
Mark Marston: It has to be Jamie Vardy for me. Mr Leicester City. He was pivotal in our promotion campaign and his goals this season have given us a fighting chance of staying up.
Josh Barker: A few players have impressed at Leicester City in patches this year but nobody has been as consistent as Jamie Vardy. He led the line in their promotion-winning campaign and remains their top scorer in the Premier League despite his advanced age. Vardy’s clearly a leader on and off the pitch and will be a huge miss when he eventually hangs up his boots.
Tom Griffin: It’s difficult to look past Jamie Vardy. The scorer of 19 goals in the calendar year which fired Leicester to the Championship title and will be crucial in their survival bid. He may turn 38 next month but his importance is arguably greater than ever.
Best Leicester City game of 2024
Callum Boyle: I’ve gone for a game against Southampton, but not the one you think. The 3-2 away win this season had everything from comebacks to last-minute winner. Pure carnage.
Mark Marston: Torn between the Preston away game, which saw us crowned as Championship winners, or the 5-0 win against Southampton. Will go with the latter purely for that sensational hat-trick hero display from Abdul Fatawu.
Josh Barker: Leicester 3-1 West Ham. There was a lot of excitement around the King Power when Ruud van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper and it’s fair to say he didn’t disappoint on his managerial debut.
Leicester were superb going forward against the Hammers and while still shaky defensively, it was probably their best showing since returning to the Premier League.
Tom Griffin: It was all the way back in April but Leicester’s 5-0 demolition of Southampton sent them on the way to the title and was undoubtedly the best game of 2024.
Best Leicester City signing of 2024
Callum Boyle: Facundo Buonanotte is the clear winner here for me. Buonanotte has been tipped to be Angel Di Maria’s successor after his performances this season and it’s easy to see why. He dazzles on the ball, can create something out of nothing and it’s easy to understand why Leicester fans want him to stay.
Mark Marston: Bilal El Khannouss hasn’t had much game time to show it yet but from the little we’ve seen of him, he’s looks like he’ll be our playmaker for the next decade. That’s if he’s not pinched!
Josh Barker: Facundo Buonanotte has been sensational since signing on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion and it is clear, as shown by the consistent comparisons to Lionel Messi, that he is destined for big things. Van Nistelrooy has opted to bench him a fair bit recently, which is pretty strange, but when he does start, he always delivers. It’s just a shame Leicester won’t be able to keep him beyond 2025.
Tom Griffin: The permanent signing of Abdul Fatawu is easily Leicester’s best capture of 2024 and needs no explanation. However, a special mention has to go to Bilal El Khannouss who has looked impressive in Fatawu’s absence.
Leicester City star set for a big 2025
Callum Boyle: Next year is going to be a massive year for James Justin. He’ll be the first to admit that 2024 hasn’t been his best in a Leicester shirt and he is now at a crossroads. Defensive options are a priority for Leicester in January and fresh competition may be brought in to challenge the right-back who will have to improve massively next year.
Mark Marston: I’ll go with Boubakary Soumare here. He was written of by most but this season he’s looked every inch of the player he was at Lille. Ruud van Nistelrooy has clearly taken to him and I expect the Frenchman to be a fixture of his midfield for 2025.
Josh Barker: Stephy Mavididi was in and out of the eleven under Steve Cooper but is finally getting consistent game time under Van Nistelrooy. Granted, overall team performances haven’t been great of late but Mavididi did provide an assist versus Liverpool and should only get better know he’s playing regularly again.
Tom Griffin: Jeremy Monga is the name everyone is expecting to become the next huge talent from Leicester. The 15 year old winger is already flourishing for the under-18s with one goal and three assists in four games. 2025 could be huge for Monga as he aims to make further inroads towards a first team breakthrough.