Kasper Schmeichel – The Goalkeeping Gladiator
The Dane is unarguably one of the most significant players to ever represent Leicester City. Nobody in the 138-year history of the Foxes has lifted more major silverware than the warrior-like 35-year-old goalkeeper. It’s hard to think of any singular player who has left more of a mark on the fabric of the Club’s DNA either – certainly over the past decade at King Power Stadium.
Only two players (Graham Cross and Adam Black) have made more LCFC appearances than Schmeichel’s 479. His exceptionally high standards and fearless ambition defines his time at the Club. A winning mindset elevates everyone at Leicester City to perform beyond their optimum. It’s not just his team-mates or the immediate backroom staff either. Everyone knows the score with Kasper – nothing but 100 per cent commitment is acceptable in his company.
He holds himself and others to account, but is fiercely protective and supportive too. Long before Kasper was handed the captain’s armband at Leicester City by Wes Morgan, the former Leeds United shot-stopper was already a leader within the dressing room. It was that experience and natural authority which instantly endeared him to the Foxes faithful too.
His ties to the Club are deep – and will be forever. He’s spoken before about that harrowing evening when we lost our Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Grieving himself, Kasper supported his team-mates and colleagues. He demonstrated the very best of the Leicester City family – as the whole club mourned a patriarch figure who died in such tragic circumstances.
Never a background character, always the lead, you can point to so many iconic Kasper Schmeichel moments which genuinely made the difference between success and failure. Think back to when his fingertips touched the ball onto one post and then the other against West Ham in 2016. The strong arm to keep Steven N’Zonzi’s penalty out in the UEFA Champions League. Those two astonishing saves under the arch at Wembley in the final of the FA Cup.
Those fine margins aren’t luck, they’re the result of hours on the training pitches, of a lifetime of dedication to his profession. Every one of the Club’s glories over the past 11 years can be traced to a key Schmeichel contribution. It’s quite remarkable when you think them all through.
In 2011, Kasper Schmeichel joined the Foxes as an eager goalkeeping prospect. Now, he leaves a goalkeeping gladiator, a Leicester City legend. A champion in every sense of the word.
Kasper Schmeichel in numbers
All LCFC appearances: 479
Premier League appearances: 276
Football League appearances: 138
Football League play-off appearances: 2
Domestic cup appearances: 33
FA Community Shield appearances: 2
UEFA Champions League appearances: 8
UEFA Europa League appearances: 12
UEFA Europa Conference League appearances: 8
All LCFC clean sheets: 144
Premier League clean sheets: 78
Football League clean sheets: 46
Domestic cup clean sheets: 9
UEFA Champions League clean sheets: 5
UEFA Europa League clean sheets: 3
UEFA Europa Conference League clean sheets: 2
LCFC honours:
Premier League (2016)
FA Cup (2021)
FA Community Shield (2021)
Championship (2014)