Wes Morgan
The captain who led Leicester from the Championship to the Premier League title and an FA Cup triumph.
Westley Nathan 'Wes' Morgan is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back for Leicester City from January 2012 until his retirement in May 2021. Born in England, he chose to represent the Jamaica national team internationally. He captained Leicester City for over eight years, leading the club through their promotion to the Premier League and their historic 2015–16 title win.
- Key Achievement
- First Jamaican to win a Premier League medal; First Jamaican to score in the UEFA Champions League
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Morgan joined Leicester City on 30 January 2012 after spending ten years at Nottingham Forest, where he made 352 appearances. He was appointed Leicester's captain in January 2013 and held the role until his retirement in 2021. During this period, he captained the team to the Championship title in 2013–14 and the Premier League title in 2015–16, and was part of the squad that won their first-ever FA Cup in 2021 (though he was an unused substitute in the final). In the 2015–16 season, he played every minute of all 38 Premier League matches, becoming one of several players to achieve that feat for a title-winning side.
In Their Own Story
On 1 May 2016, Morgan equalised with a header against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The next day, Leicester City won the Premier League title, making Morgan the first Jamaican to win a Premier League medal. He later made his final professional appearance as a substitute in the 82nd minute of the 2021 FA Cup Final, helping Leicester secure their first-ever FA Cup trophy before announcing his retirement on 21 May 2021.
Reader's Guide
Morgan arrived at Leicester City for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £1 million. He was named captain ahead of the 2012–13 season and led the team through their Championship-winning campaign in 2013–14, missing only one game that season. In the Premier League, he scored his first goal against Tottenham Hotspur on 21 March 2015 and another against Newcastle United on 5 May 2015. He also became the first Jamaican player to score in a UEFA Champions League match, netting the opener in a 2–0 win against Sevilla on 14 March 2017.
Did You Know?
- Morgan made his professional debut for Nottingham Forest at age 19, deflecting a Peter Beagrie shot to score his first goal in a 6–0 win over Wimbledon.
- He and Kasper Schmeichel were the only two players to play every minute of Leicester City's entire 2015–16 Premier League title-winning campaign.
- Morgan became the first Jamaican player to score in a UEFA Champions League game when he netted against Sevilla on 14 March 2017.
- He was an unused substitute in the FA Cup final on May 15, 2021, making that match his final appearance in the matchday squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Wes Morgan?
He was a centre-back who played for Leicester City from 2012 until his retirement in 2021. Although born in England, he represented Jamaica on the international stage during his career.
What role did he play at the club?
Morgan served as the team captain for nine years, guiding the squad through significant achievements including promotion and a league title. He was known for his leadership and defensive stability in the centre of the backline.
What are his major honours with Leicester City?
His tenure included winning the Championship, the historic 2015–16 Premier League title, and the FA Cup in 2021. He remains one of the most decorated players in the club's modern history.
Why is Wes Morgan considered a legend?
He made history as the first Jamaican player to win a Premier League medal during the famous title-winning season. His longevity and commitment earned him a special place among supporters who witnessed his entire journey at the club.
How did his career end?
Morgan officially retired from professional football in May 2021 after nearly a decade and a half of service to the Foxes. His final season concluded with an FA Cup victory, capping off a remarkable era for the club.
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