1. Overview
Declan Rice, born on January 14, 1999, is an English professional footballer widely recognized as one of the world's premier defensive midfielders, celebrated for his exceptional stamina, strength, ball-carrying ability, and tackling prowess. He currently plays for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. Rice began his professional journey at West Ham United after being released from Chelsea's academy. He rapidly established himself as a pivotal first-team player by 2017. In 2022, he took over the captaincy from Mark Noble and led West Ham to their first major European trophy since 1965, securing the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2023, for which he was also named the competition's Player of the Season. After 245 appearances for West Ham, Rice transferred to Arsenal in July 2023 for a club-record fee of 100.00 M GBP, making him the joint-most expensive English player in history. Although eligible for both England and the Republic of Ireland, Rice represented Ireland at youth and senior levels before committing to England in 2019. He has since played for England in major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2024.
2. Early Life and Career
Declan Rice was born on January 14, 1999, in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, where he was raised. His paternal grandparents hailed from Douglas, County Cork, in Ireland, which made him eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally.
Rice began his football development at a young age, joining the academy of Chelsea in 2006 when he was seven years old. He remained with Chelsea until 2013, when he was released at the age of 14. Following his departure from Chelsea, Rice joined the academy of West Ham United in 2014 after a trial period in the spring of 2013. Trevor Bumstead, a West Ham United Academy coach, credited Rice's strong determination and persistence as key factors in his successful progression through West Ham's youth ranks. During his time in the West Ham academy, Rice achieved notable success, winning the Premier League Cup in 2016 with the under-21 team and the Premier League 2 Division 2 in 2020 with the under-23 squad.
3. Club Career
Declan Rice's club career began professionally at West Ham United, where he quickly ascended through the ranks, eventually becoming a key figure and captain before making a high-profile move to Arsenal.
3.1. West Ham United
Declan Rice spent eight transformative years at West Ham United, developing from a promising academy graduate into a crucial first-team player and, ultimately, a celebrated captain who led the club to a significant European title.
3.1.1. 2015-2020
On December 16, 2015, two years after joining West Ham United at youth level, Declan Rice signed his first professional contract with the club. His impressive performances for the under-23 team earned him his first call-up to the West Ham senior squad in April 2017 for matches against Sunderland and Everton. He made his senior debut on May 21, 2017, the final day of the 2016-17 Premier League season, coming on as a 91st-minute substitute for Edimilson Fernandes in a 2-1 away victory against Burnley. This debut came just five days after he captained the under-23s to promotion, securing a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
Rice's first full first-team start occurred on August 19, 2017, in a 3-2 defeat against Southampton. His consistent performances during the 2017-18 season, where he established himself in the final line under both Slaven Bilić and David Moyes, earned him recognition. In April 2018, he was named runner-up for the 2017-18 Hammer of the Year award, finishing behind Marko Arnautović.
On December 22, 2018, Rice made his 50th appearance for West Ham, a significant milestone that made him the first teenager since Michael Carrick to achieve this feat for the club. Days later, on December 28, 2018, he signed a new long-term contract, committing to West Ham until 2024 with an option for an additional year. His first senior goal for West Ham came on January 12, 2019, in a 1-0 victory against Arsenal at the London Stadium, which was West Ham's 50th Premier League game at the venue. For this match-winning performance, he was named man of the match. In April 2019, Rice was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, though it was ultimately awarded to his England teammate Raheem Sterling. At the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, he received three club awards: the Players' Player of the Year, the Individual Performance of the Season (for his goal against Arsenal), and the Young Hammer of the Year for the third consecutive season.
On December 28, 2019, at the age of 20, Rice captained West Ham for the first time in a 2-1 home loss against Leicester City. He scored his sole Premier League goal of the 2019-20 season on July 17, 2020, with a powerful strike from outside the box against Watford, contributing to a 3-1 win. During the 2019-20 season, Rice played every minute of West Ham's 38 league games. He distinguished himself by ranking among the Premier League's top five players for both tackles and interceptions, leading all West Ham players in these categories, and also completing more passes than any other teammate. His impressive season was capped off by winning the Hammer of the Year award for the first time.
3.1.2. 2020-2023
Declan Rice continued to be a standout performer for West Ham United during this period, taking on the captaincy and leading the club to historic European success.
On February 15, 2021, Rice opened his goal-scoring account for the 2020-21 season by converting a penalty, giving West Ham the lead in a 3-0 home league victory over Sheffield United. In April 2021, after having featured in every West Ham match of the 2020-21 season up to that point, Rice was sidelined for four weeks due to a knee injury sustained while on international duty with England.
On September 16, 2021, Rice made his debut in European club competitions and scored his first European goal in a 2-0 away win against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League. His exceptional contributions throughout the season led him to be named Hammer of the Year for the second time on May 9, 2022. Following West Ham's impressive run to the Europa League semi-finals, Rice was included in the 2021-22 UEFA Europa League Team of the Season alongside teammate Craig Dawson. In May 2022, following the retirement of long-serving captain Mark Noble, Declan Rice was officially named the new captain of West Ham United.
On October 16, 2022, Rice scored his first goal of the 2022-23 season, a curling effort from 22 yd that secured a point for West Ham in a 1-1 draw against Southampton. On April 20, 2023, he scored West Ham's third goal in a dominant 4-1 victory over Belgian side Gent in the UEFA Europa Conference League. His goal, which saw him carry the ball for more than 164 ft (50 m) before finishing past Gent goalkeeper Davy Roef, was lauded by The Daily Telegraph as "perhaps the standout strike of Rice's career."
In May 2023, Rice was again crowned Hammer of the Year for the 2022-23 season, marking his third time receiving the award. His leadership culminated in a historic achievement on June 7, 2023, when he captained West Ham to a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League final. This triumph marked West Ham's first major European trophy since 1965. The following day, UEFA officially named Declan Rice as the Europa Conference League's Player of the Season. Throughout the 2022-23 season, Rice notably won possession more than any other Premier League player and also recorded the most interceptions among all Premier League players, highlighting his immense defensive contributions.
Rice's tenure at West Ham concluded in July 2023, when he transferred to Arsenal. He made 245 appearances for West Ham, scoring 15 goals across all competitions. He holds a significant place in the club's history as one of only three West Ham captains, alongside Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to have led the team to a major trophy. West Ham chairman David Sullivan stated that the club had not wished to sell Rice, intending to build the team around him, but acknowledged that Rice had made his desire to move on clear. Rice himself affirmed his decision, stating, "Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game."
3.2. Arsenal
On July 15, 2023, Declan Rice officially joined Premier League club Arsenal on a long-term contract. The transfer fee was reported as an initial 100.00 M GBP, with potential add-ons increasing it by another 5.00 M GBP. This record-breaking sum made him the most expensive English player, equalling the previous record held by Jack Grealish. The payment structure involved West Ham receiving 50.00 M GBP immediately and a further 50.00 M GBP in the summer of 2024. Additionally, West Ham would receive 1.00 M GBP each time Arsenal qualified for the UEFA Champions League during Rice's contract, and another 1.00 M GBP if he played 60% of games in a season, with these performance-related payments capped at 5.00 M GBP.
Rice made his competitive debut for Arsenal on August 6, 2023, against Manchester City in the 2023 FA Community Shield. Arsenal ultimately won the match 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. On August 12, he started in Arsenal's opening match of the 2023-24 Premier League season, a 2-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest. His first goal for Arsenal came on September 3, in stoppage time, securing a dramatic 2-1 lead against Manchester United in a match that finished 3-1 in Arsenal's favor.
In September 2023, Rice was nominated for The Best FIFA Men's Player award, recognizing his outstanding performances for both his former club West Ham and Arsenal, as well as the national team. On February 11, 2024, Rice scored his first goal against his former club, West Ham United, in a resounding 6-0 victory at the London Stadium. This result marked West Ham's worst home defeat in the league since 1963 against Blackburn Rovers. In February 2024, he won the London Football Premier League Player of the Year award. His strong season for Arsenal was further recognized on August 20, 2024, when he was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2023-24 Premier League season, joining four other Arsenal teammates, the largest representation from the club since the "Invincibles" era.
4. International Career
Declan Rice's international career involved a significant decision regarding his national allegiance, ultimately leading him to represent England after initially playing for the Republic of Ireland.
4.1. Republic of Ireland
Although born in London, Declan Rice was eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland due to his paternal grandparents being from Cork. His early international recognition came on March 19, 2017, when he was named the Republic of Ireland U17 Player of the Year. Just days after his Premier League debut, on May 23, 2017, Rice received his first call-up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for friendly matches against Mexico and Uruguay, as well as a World Cup qualifier against Austria. He made his senior international debut on March 23, 2018, in a 1-0 defeat to Turkey.
In August 2018, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill controversially omitted Rice from the squad to play Wales, revealing that Rice was contemplating a switch to play for England after being approached by them. By November 2018, after being left out of three consecutive squads by O'Neill, Rice publicly stated he was no closer to making a definitive decision between Ireland and England. In December 2018, Rice met with the newly appointed Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and his assistant, Robbie Keane. McCarthy expressed his view that Rice had the potential to be a future captain for Ireland and affirmed his intention to build the team around him should he commit to the country.
4.2. England
On February 13, 2019, Declan Rice publicly announced his decision to pledge his international future to England. His change of allegiance was officially confirmed by FIFA on March 5, 2019. Shortly thereafter, on March 13, he received his first call-up to the England squad for the forthcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying matches against the Czech Republic and Montenegro. He made his England debut on March 22, 2019, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute against the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium.
Just three days later, on March 25, England manager Gareth Southgate handed Rice his first start for the national side during a commanding 5-1 victory over Montenegro. Following his successful 2018-19 club season, Rice earned a place in the England squad for the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals. England ultimately secured a third-place finish in the tournament. In September 2019, Rice revealed that he had received online death threats after his decision to switch national allegiances, underscoring the intensity of the reaction to his choice. He was the first player to represent both countries since Jack Reynolds in the 1890s.
Rice was included in the England squad for UEFA Euro 2020, where he played in all seven games as England reached the final before ultimately finishing as runner-up to Italy. His consistent performances secured his spot in the England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He started all five of England's matches in the tournament as they reached the quarter-finals, where they were defeated 2-1 by France.
Ahead of earning his 50th senior cap, it was announced in March 2024 that Rice would captain England for the first time in a match against Belgium. On June 6, 2024, he was named in England's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024. He started in central midfield in the team's opening match against Serbia, playing the full 90 minutes in England's 1-0 victory that saw them top Group C. England subsequently finished as runner-up in UEFA Euro 2024.
5. Style of Play
Declan Rice primarily operates as a defensive midfielder and is highly regarded for his exceptional athleticism and robust tackling ability. In recent years, his playing style has evolved significantly, leading him to build a reputation as a more complete midfielder. This development includes a notable improvement in his ball-carrying skills and an increased ability to score goals from distance. Consequently, he has occasionally been deployed in a more offensive role, functioning as a number eight. Beyond his defensive solidity, Rice has also received praise in the media for his proficient passing ability. His blend of defensive attributes and developing offensive capabilities has led to him being widely considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
6. Personal Life
Declan Rice has maintained a close friendship with fellow professional footballer Mason Mount since their childhood, having played together at Chelsea's academy. Their bond is well-known, with them even being affectionately dubbed "Dumb and Dumber". Rice also has a cousin, Finley Munroe, who is a professional footballer playing for Aston Villa.
In March 2019, Rice publicly apologized for comments he had made on social media in 2015 that appeared to support the Irish Republican Army (IRA). This apology addressed a controversy that arose following his decision to switch his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England.
In August 2022, Rice confirmed the birth of his first child, a son, with his long-term girlfriend, Lauren Fryer.
7. Statistics
Declan Rice's career statistics showcase his consistent presence and performance for both his clubs and the national teams he has represented.
7.1. Club Statistics
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition.
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| West Ham United U23 | 2016-17 | - | - | - | - | 2 (Appearances in EFL Trophy) | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||||
| 2017-18 | - | - | - | - | 1 (Appearances in EFL Trophy) | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
| Total | - | - | - | - | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||||||
| West Ham United | 2016-17 | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |
| 2017-18 | Premier League | 26 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | - | - | 31 | 0 | |||
| 2018-19 | Premier League | 34 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | - | 38 | 2 | |||
| 2019-20 | Premier League | 38 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 40 | 1 | |||
| 2020-21 | Premier League | 32 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 35 | 2 | |||
| 2021-22 | Premier League | 36 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 (Appearances in UEFA Europa League) | 3 | - | 50 | 5 | ||
| 2022-23 | Premier League | 37 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 (Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League) | 1 | - | 50 | 5 | ||
| Total | 204 | 10 | 11 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 21 | 4 | - | 245 | 15 | |||
| Arsenal | 2023-24 | Premier League | 38 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 (Appearances in UEFA Champions League) | 0 | 1 (Appearance in FA Community Shield) | 0 | 51 | 7 |
| 2024-25 | Premier League | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 (Appearances in UEFA Champions League) | 1 | - | 36 | 3 | ||
| Total | 63 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 87 | 10 | ||
| Career total | 267 | 18 | 13 | 1 | 13 | 1 | 38 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 335 | 25 | ||
7.2. International Statistics
Appearances and goals by national team and year.
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | 2018 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 0 | |
| England | 2019 | 7 | 0 |
| 2020 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 14 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 14 | 2 | |
| Total | 62 | 5 | |
7.2.1. International Goals
England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Rice goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | November 18, 2020 | Wembley Stadium, London, England | 13 | Iceland | 1-0 | 4-0 | 2020-21 UEFA Nations League A |
| 2 | September 2, 2021 | Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary | 25 | Hungary | 4-0 | 4-0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 3 | March 23, 2023 | Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy | 40 | Italy | 1-0 | 2-1 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying |
| 4 | September 7, 2024 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland | 59 | Republic of Ireland | 1-0 | 2-0 | 2024-25 UEFA Nations League B |
| 5 | October 13, 2024 | Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland | 62 | Finland | 3-0 | 3-1 | 2024-25 UEFA Nations League B |
8. Honours
West Ham United
- UEFA Europa Conference League: 2022-23
Arsenal
- FA Community Shield: 2023
England
- UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2020, 2024
- UEFA Nations League third place: 2018-19
Individual
- West Ham United Young Player of the Year: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19
- West Ham United Player of the Year: 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23
- Republic of Ireland U17 Player of the Year: 2016
- FAI Young International Player of the Year: 2018
- UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2021-22
- UEFA Europa Conference League Team of the Season: 2022-23
- UEFA Europa Conference League Player of the Season: 2022-23
- PFA Team of the Year: 2023-24 Premier League
- London Football Premier League Player of the Year: 2022, 2024
- London Football Premier League Young Player of the Year: 2019