As a Liverpool supporter for over 35 years, I am thrilled to see LCFC win. A great day when a team built on hard work and drive can prevail over the mega riches of the big teams. And lovely to be able to watch a true gentleman in Ranieri hold up that trophy. May not happen again in my lifetime but it does give all hope.
1
Actually, what Leicester has accomplished while nice, is no where nearly as impressive as what Atletico Madrid has done for the last several years and continues to do. In only the last several years, A. Madrid has become one of the giants of football consistently in Europe and the world - with a small budget. Domestically, they have done it in the best league in Europe (and the world for sure) in terms of quality i.e., in Liga - which has been producing UEFA and Europa champions and championship contenders consistently for the last many years. And, Europe-wise, they have become Davids to the Goliaths of Barca, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. And they continue to do so! With a small budget!
The English Premier League might be more unpredictable, and according to some people more exciting, and they clearly have the best marketing; but if you want to watch the highest quality football and the beautiful game, you watch Spanish football - especially these days and the last 6-10 years. The EPL might again be unpredictable but it's college football in terms of quality.
Maybe NYTimes should do an article on A. Madrid! They certainly deserve it.
The English Premier League might be more unpredictable, and according to some people more exciting, and they clearly have the best marketing; but if you want to watch the highest quality football and the beautiful game, you watch Spanish football - especially these days and the last 6-10 years. The EPL might again be unpredictable but it's college football in terms of quality.
Maybe NYTimes should do an article on A. Madrid! They certainly deserve it.
1
Try reading the soccer page a little clser. The Atleti article is right there
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/sports/soccer/diego-simeone-shapes-atl...
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/sports/soccer/diego-simeone-shapes-atl...
2
As good as the results for Atletico have been recently they have won the La Liga 10 times and runners-up 8 they have also won the cup many times. With Leicester winning ought has been as rare as a dancing cow.
2
Americans don't get it but it's like a D3 football team beating the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos, the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers.
1
CONGRATS to Leicester Football Club. Well done.
As football become more popular in North-America, a lots of city in the US and in Canada , want to have a team in the MLS.
The MLS grows fast. But i think it's TOO MUCH if the League will have more than 22 teams.
Well, i am not pushing for PROMOTION/RELEGATION structure for US Soccer. But kind of mix ....
This is my idea and my opinion:
1- Let's create a Canadian Football League (CaFL)
2- Split half of the current MLS team for the CaFL and for the MLS.
3- Lets accept more cities to join both leagues ( 22 for MLS and 18 For CaFL)
4- In the end of the season, the 3 bottoms team of CaFL will move to the MLS. And the 3 bottoms team of The MLS will play in the CaFL in the next season.
If we have more leagues, then we can create more tournaments, Cups, trophies. And we will have more teams competing in the CONCACAF Champions League.
As football become more popular in North-America, a lots of city in the US and in Canada , want to have a team in the MLS.
The MLS grows fast. But i think it's TOO MUCH if the League will have more than 22 teams.
Well, i am not pushing for PROMOTION/RELEGATION structure for US Soccer. But kind of mix ....
This is my idea and my opinion:
1- Let's create a Canadian Football League (CaFL)
2- Split half of the current MLS team for the CaFL and for the MLS.
3- Lets accept more cities to join both leagues ( 22 for MLS and 18 For CaFL)
4- In the end of the season, the 3 bottoms team of CaFL will move to the MLS. And the 3 bottoms team of The MLS will play in the CaFL in the next season.
If we have more leagues, then we can create more tournaments, Cups, trophies. And we will have more teams competing in the CONCACAF Champions League.
2
I like them as my favorite team.
Leicester City's success may lead to clubs thinking twice about the outrageous sums they pay for players.
P.s See you soon Villa Lol
P.s See you soon Villa Lol
3
I look forward to the movie!
3
Not "one of the most remarkable seasons", it's THE most remarkable season, anywhere for any sport. Leicester had no chance, none, zero....
5
We are all Leicester City today.
2
I thought my twin brother was mad back in 1998 when he told me that he'd become a Leicester City fan-- thanks to Kasey Keller and a gritty performance against Manchester United. But "zlowly, zlowly" (as Ranieri would say), he got me into this club and I counted myself as a Fox.
All of our friends thought we were mad to stick with this club when Leicester collapsed into administration, and then later down to the third division. My brother took a trip out to see the club during its lowest depths, much to the bewilderment of locals in Leicester...but being a Leicester fan always seemed to mean you're expected to share the misery with others.
But we had to stick with this club and its city because of all the good people out there who were always so proud to have a couple of crazy twins from NY following their club.
And look at Leicester now, completing the craziest, most wonderful story in sports. Thank you, brother.
All of our friends thought we were mad to stick with this club when Leicester collapsed into administration, and then later down to the third division. My brother took a trip out to see the club during its lowest depths, much to the bewilderment of locals in Leicester...but being a Leicester fan always seemed to mean you're expected to share the misery with others.
But we had to stick with this club and its city because of all the good people out there who were always so proud to have a couple of crazy twins from NY following their club.
And look at Leicester now, completing the craziest, most wonderful story in sports. Thank you, brother.
9
I live not to far from Leicester and I support a team in Division 1 called Gillingham...the thing is in England it does not matter what division your team is in you love them with a passion no matter what.
The majority of England were willing Leicester to win the EPL ...it has brought a massive smile to English faces knowing that a team that has spent less money on there players and have taken there players from lower leagues and have achieved one of the biggest prizes in the world...what a dream come true.
The majority of England were willing Leicester to win the EPL ...it has brought a massive smile to English faces knowing that a team that has spent less money on there players and have taken there players from lower leagues and have achieved one of the biggest prizes in the world...what a dream come true.
9
Being a lowly Twins fan in league of big budget commercial champions, it sure is fun to stick it to the big guys every 100 years. Congratulations boys!
4
Should never have abandoned Washington, DC. ;)
1
A magical European night..at Leicester? Hard to imagine, but it will be true next season. Wow.
1
Many thanks to the Foxes of Leicester City for their fine accomplishments. Their win has helped me a great deal in my efforts to pronounce and spell the name of the city--over and over again. As an international student, I earned a post graduate law degree from a very fine law school in England--University of Leicester. Due to the fact that I live in California, my friends and professional associates frequently ask me to spell and pronounce "Leicester" for them. They never heard of it. I bet, after this week and the big win for Leicester, those requests would become infrequent for a while.
5
That they will make a film one day about the super Leicester City Foxes as a tale of triumph over adversity is beyond doubt.
Let companies and organisations large and small draw from this "pull together spirit" which has served Leicester City Football Club so well this season. Money talks but teamwork conquers all.
Let companies and organisations large and small draw from this "pull together spirit" which has served Leicester City Football Club so well this season. Money talks but teamwork conquers all.
1
American sports leagues take note. All team owners can be content with comfortable mediocrity because they are safely cocooned in a monopolistic league the jealously guards its privileged members. No promotion and relegation, no siree.
Even though the English Premier League has been dominated by a few clubs, on paper none of them can be complacent. Five teams have dominated, yet here come Leicester in only their second season in the top flight, not having bought a franchise but by playing their way back through promotion, not to mention escaping relegation last season.
And by the way, English team owners don't normally put the squeeze on taxpayers to pay for their stadia.
Even though the English Premier League has been dominated by a few clubs, on paper none of them can be complacent. Five teams have dominated, yet here come Leicester in only their second season in the top flight, not having bought a franchise but by playing their way back through promotion, not to mention escaping relegation last season.
And by the way, English team owners don't normally put the squeeze on taxpayers to pay for their stadia.
5
Only fitting that at least one, and maybe two American owned disasters could be relegated out of the Premier League in Aston Villa (whose owner couldn't make a go of a NoFunLeague franchise in the Cleveland Browns) and maybe Sunderland as well.
3
A working class hero is something to be!
Congratulations to Leicester for beating the oligarchs who bought big players for their rivals!
Congratulations to Leicester for beating the oligarchs who bought big players for their rivals!
10
Just shows what playing with love and guts for there fans has done .
1
Congratulations to Leicester. Next year will be the hard part.
3
Every dog has their day. Even if it takes 132 years to happen.
3
Statistically speaking it absolutely had to happen someday, didn't it? Super congrats to an underdog, and I don't even follow this stuff . . .
Go Cubs! It's been only 108 years for us!
2
The Cubs are a well financed team in a big city with a guaranteed spot in the big leagues. Leicester have had none of these advantages. They are a backwater team with a meagre payroll comprising players and a manager who have been cast off by the likes of well-heeled teams like the Cubs, and who every year have had to fight for survival against relegation to the minor leagues (with mixed success). If the Cubs have failed to win in 108 years, it's their own damn fault. If Leicester have achieved a championship during that same period, it is due entirely to its character and work ethic, devoid of all the advantages that the Cubs have had during that same period. Please do not demean the accomplishment of this singular team by comparing it in any way with the Chicago Cubs.
2
When will Guardiola take on a last place team to really show how good a coach he is? It's good to see the likes of Benitez doing his best to keep Newcastle alive. A real challenge to highly paid coaches!
8
Pep shows how good a coach he is by not getting fired midseason and having to sign on with a struggler due to unemployment. You think Benitez took that job for the "challenge" and to impress you?
Hats off to Leicester!!! Hard team work and playing to your strengths grandly payed off. You should be held up as an example to every youth football team as to what can be accomplished when you work together.
3
Congratulations to a gritty team and it's supporters and to a wonderful coach, Claudio Rainieri.
A colleague of mine is from Leicester and to see the look on his face yesterday afternoon was priceless. He's half a world away from home but he seemed like he was in a LC pub holding court. He could not have been prouder and I could not have been happier for him.
A colleague of mine is from Leicester and to see the look on his face yesterday afternoon was priceless. He's half a world away from home but he seemed like he was in a LC pub holding court. He could not have been prouder and I could not have been happier for him.
14
What a lovely comment... the world be a wonderful place if we all had friends like you.
4
Between Leicester City and Disney's "Zootopia," 2016 can be called the Year Of The Fox.
2
I had always wondered when some team out of the top class (biggest budgets) would be able to string 38 matches together to win the title. It seemed realistic to happen once in a while, but I assumed it would be a club like Spurs, Villa or Newcastle who are big enough to field a decent team to win the league but not compete in Europe. Having LCFC do it is beyond comprehension.
5
It is not beyond comprehension. When I was into American football my home team and favorite were the Buffalo Bills. For four years during the Marv Levy - Jim Kelly were the best in the league even though they didn't win the Super Bowl. The Bills were a relatively small team financially like the Foxes. What I saw then and now was not a team of prima donnas playing as individuals on the same side but a team of hard workers, blue collar players who said we are in this together and we play for each other and if we don't we won't get anywhere.
4
This incredible story shows why US soccer needs the promotion/relegation structure that exists in the rest of the soccer-playing world for the sport to really take off here. Leicester's Cinderella season- a team that was playing in the 'minor' leagues just a couple of seasons ago- couldn't happen in any other sport, and it's a big part of what makes soccer so appealing. With the possibility of moving up or down a level each season, the games at the bottom of the league are just as exciting as the ones at the top (more, actually, since those teams are fighting for their survival) and fans in every city have more interest since there's a real chance (however slim ) that their team might play their way to the very top, as The Foxes have done. Instead, here in the US we have our first division MLS where billionaire owners spend and spend to put an often-terrible product on the field with no consequence of slipping down a division, and teams in the lower division NASL and USL are stuck there with minor league stadiums and crowds no matter how many championships they win. The way to grow the pie and the game for everyone is to open the system and create opportunity for everyone.
28
There are good reasons that promotion/relegation, whatever its merits, is pretty far down on the list of priorities for U.S. soccer. First and foremost, there is simply too much distance between MLS and the other leagues (NASL, USL, etc.) in terms of financial capacity, stadium sizes, and so forth. It is like telling a minor league baseball team in a small market that they will be playing in the major leagues next year, and that they have six months to come up with a venue with four times the seating capacity of where they've been playing all along. There isn't quite that gap between the first and second tiers (or the second and third tiers, etc.) of soccer in England and many other countries.
Further, few investors would be willing to make the major investments that MLS requires if they face the risk of relegation. In today's climate, pro/rel would most likely guarantee that this country would only have minor leagues such as NASL and USL.
Promotion/relegation may become a viable option when MLS stops growing (at 24 teams? 28 teams?), and big-time investors who are shut out of MLS turn their attention to the minor leagues and build them up.
Further, few investors would be willing to make the major investments that MLS requires if they face the risk of relegation. In today's climate, pro/rel would most likely guarantee that this country would only have minor leagues such as NASL and USL.
Promotion/relegation may become a viable option when MLS stops growing (at 24 teams? 28 teams?), and big-time investors who are shut out of MLS turn their attention to the minor leagues and build them up.
The promotion and relegation structure makes the football season far more exciting.
2
Another thing is that British clubs (and probably clubs in many other countries) have very deep roots in their communities. Very rarely do they even consider picking up and heading to another city. Thus, they can count on a substantial base of support if they drop one tier, or even two tiers. When that is the norm in North America, then we might see pro/rel.
"From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few,
We band of brothers;
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few,
We band of brothers;
9
I've been a long time Chelsea fan before the wins but today I am happy to say congratulations to Leicester City, Champions of England! What a story. I've always thought relegation made European football more interesting--imagine if triple A baseball teams could come to the majors--and in this case, relegation makes this story even more compelling.
9
Probably the greatest sports achievement in my lifetime! And I'm not young!
Good on you Foxes!
Good on you Foxes!
8
What Leicester accomplished by winning the English Priemier League this year is comparable to the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" US Olympic team (before NHL players could play, so a college All Star team) beating the Soviet team (when USSR poured all its sports resources to win Olympic medals and no medal was bigger than Gold for hockey and Soviet players could not play in NHL so their NHL caliber players were on their Olympic team).
If you are a sports fan, a football (aka soccer in US) fan, an EPL fan no matter which team you support, you are overjoyed for Leicester City FC and their delirious fans. Their manager Ranieri is truly a class act. It is the feel good story of the underdogs pulling off the near impossible - the good guys won. For all the money and cynicism in sports, this is the type of moment (won over a grueling season) that makes sports special.
A very well deserved CONGRATULATIONS TO LEICESTER CITY FC!!!
If you are a sports fan, a football (aka soccer in US) fan, an EPL fan no matter which team you support, you are overjoyed for Leicester City FC and their delirious fans. Their manager Ranieri is truly a class act. It is the feel good story of the underdogs pulling off the near impossible - the good guys won. For all the money and cynicism in sports, this is the type of moment (won over a grueling season) that makes sports special.
A very well deserved CONGRATULATIONS TO LEICESTER CITY FC!!!
19
This was a much greater accomplishment than the Miracle on Ice, which was a short series of games in a couple of week period.
This was a nine month, 36 match slog (with two to go). It's not a matter of getting hot at the right time. It was a sustained march against all odds, defying both previous form and injury.
I think a better comparison would be the 1969 Mets, which had never had a winning season before all the young pitchers bloomed at once, under an old wise head manager, won 100 regular season games, chased down the Cubs, who had had a 9 1/2 game lead in midsummer, and won the division going away, then went 7-1 in the post season.
This was a nine month, 36 match slog (with two to go). It's not a matter of getting hot at the right time. It was a sustained march against all odds, defying both previous form and injury.
I think a better comparison would be the 1969 Mets, which had never had a winning season before all the young pitchers bloomed at once, under an old wise head manager, won 100 regular season games, chased down the Cubs, who had had a 9 1/2 game lead in midsummer, and won the division going away, then went 7-1 in the post season.
7
Paul. I agree. Miracle on Ice or '69 Mets are analogies for our fellow readers who are not football (aka soccer in US) or EPL fans - like all analogies, they are limited. The point is that sports sometimes produces what seems impossible. No one would have said that 1980 US Olympics could win a Gold medal by beating the "unbeatable" USSR team at the start of the Olympics. You are right that Leceister's accomplishment was over a long season - like the '69 Mets. But there was much less money in sports back in the era of the '69 Mets. You win European Football League titles by buying the best superstar players and managers in the world and usually by having decades of winning tradition - it's rare for anyone expect for the super clubs - especially now with money dominating sports like all matters - to compete much less win a EPL or La Liga or Bundesliga or Serie A or Ligue 1 (except when PSG has off year). There is no relegation in US sports leagues. A team like Leceister is supposed to have no chance to win the EPL. Like the 1980 US Olympic team and 1969 Mets, it's supposed to be impossible. And then it's not. All worth celebrating
2
Andy, thanks for a terrific piece. And thanks to Foxes and Spurs for breathing life into the Premier League.
8
A team of "no hopers" who were destined to be relegated without trace. Instead they played as a team, believed in themselves, stayed focused and confident with grit and determination, overhauled the giants and something wonderful happened.
The greatest story in the history of sport.
The greatest story in the history of sport.
12
All my congratulations Leicester City
4
The more I think about Leiceisters achievement the more awestruck I get. Just two seasons ago they were competing at 2nd tier football. Last season they were doomed for relegation until they conjured one of the greatest relegation escapes ever seen. For the first 29 games they had only managed 19 points, but they gathered 22 points from last 9 games to stay afloat.
This season they started with a new manager with a 5000/1 odds among the bookies to win the title. After a good start everybody expected them to slide down the table after Christmas, logic had dictated that you needed the likes of Sheikh, Glazers, Abramahovic, Kroenke to inject billions to the club to win the title. So for Leicester to have won this title defying all odds only makes me nod my head in amazement.
This season they started with a new manager with a 5000/1 odds among the bookies to win the title. After a good start everybody expected them to slide down the table after Christmas, logic had dictated that you needed the likes of Sheikh, Glazers, Abramahovic, Kroenke to inject billions to the club to win the title. So for Leicester to have won this title defying all odds only makes me nod my head in amazement.
21
Leicester players owe Hazard a couple of pints.
3
Yes, they do, and that was a beautiful goal: hard, curling from right to left, up in the corner of the net where it was impossible to block. Very cool.
2
Well done Leicester! This goes to show that underachieving slowly slowly turns into high-achieving. Ranieri must be extremely proud of his great accomplishment.
5
OK well done Leicester but next season watch for Spurs (that's Tottenham) success.
4
Maybe after the Tottenham players serve their jail sentences for all the assault charges from the last game....
7
It's been wait til next year for the Spurs since 1961. Now add Champions League football, and ask whether Kane, Alli and Dier might be poached away, and, well, hope springs, eh?
1
Bravo Leicester!!
Well Done!!
Well Done!!
4
tenacity and iron will in a monolithic and coherent effective and balanced style set in all demonstrated that it is possible to prevail against all adversity lines, is a beautiful true story that inspires and transcends more than in the field of sport, inspiring to live the improbable dreams
5
First the finding, rep rehab and proper rest of Richard III in Leicester, now this. Congrats; hope to come visit someday.
Next: Will Poulter as Vardy with Johnny Depp as Ranieri in "Going for Bloke! - A Fox's Tale." But how can Hollywood fake Vardy's glorious long goal against Liverpool? No special effects wizard will every top that shot!
1
This Spurs supporter was disappointed by today's result, but nevertheless happy for Leicester City, the deserving first-place finishers. Theirs was a brilliant season. Spurs' season has been hardly less so. It is so good for the Premier League, for soccer, and for team sports in general that two modest-spending clubs have done so well this year. All hail Leicester City, the Champions!
5
Congratulations Leicester City and am happy for their fans. A magnificent story and accomplishment that is going to be difficult to replicate.
1
Now if the Cubs win the World Series, all will be right with the world, or at least in the world of sports.
5
Nah, It's going to be the Mets!
Here's hoping Leicester City play Napoli in the Champions League next season. Napoli's manager, Maurizio Sarri, was coaching in Serie B just two seasons ago. Now he's got Napoli in second place.
Seton Hall's Manfred Schellscheidt would understand. Had USA soccer the needed class, Manny, not Bruce Arena or Bob Bradley, might have led our failing efforts. Farcher's Grove was the mirror. Princeton was the scene. And it was obvious. Arrogance vs. class.
Class won. Leicester had the class.
Class won. Leicester had the class.
1
Wow! Manny's still around? That's a blast from the past!
There is no better example of capitalism at its best than English soccer.
In US sports, it is maximizing league revenue at the expense of fans.
In US sports, it is maximizing league revenue at the expense of fans.
2
Leicester's been a fantastic story, all season long. You often see a mid-table team leading near the start of the season, and assume it means nothing and they'll quickly disappear back into the pack. But at some point this year we noticed that Leicester's cameo at the top was lasting a bit longer than expected - what, didn't they get the memo? But apparently they had their own script, and like squatters who stay put because they know if they stay in possession they'll eventually own the place, they simply refused to budge for eight and a half long months.
My team is in the lower reaches of English football, and normally I couldn't care less which obscenely rich, entitled team wins the BPL. But I can't stop grinning at the thought of what Leicester's done.
My team is in the lower reaches of English football, and normally I couldn't care less which obscenely rich, entitled team wins the BPL. But I can't stop grinning at the thought of what Leicester's done.
10
i know next-to-nothing about english league football...
or, soccer in general. lol
but; i find this team's season and story extremely inspiring. what joy to hear of a group of people coming together against huge odds and succeeding.
wow.
right on.
well done leicester! as a 'geographic phobic' american i am even going to look-up your location! yay.
ps does anybody know if they make american style baseball caps with the leicester city team logo? ;)
or, soccer in general. lol
but; i find this team's season and story extremely inspiring. what joy to hear of a group of people coming together against huge odds and succeeding.
wow.
right on.
well done leicester! as a 'geographic phobic' american i am even going to look-up your location! yay.
ps does anybody know if they make american style baseball caps with the leicester city team logo? ;)
3
Yes. You can go on the team's website and purchase hats, scarves, shirts, etc.
3
thnx kevin.
i did just that.
i did just that.
I loathe Tottenham. I cannot describe the pleasure - nay, the euphoria, the sheer joy, almost orgasmic happiness - at seeing them crushed likely the lowly (stuff found in sewage treatment plans) of the earth they are. Congrats Leicester - a most deserved winner of the title . . . Gooner till I die
4
Bravo Leicester City! This shows that grit and determination can confound all the experts and statistics, and reminds us that the game is played by real players on the pitch, not on computers. This could never happen in the statistic-mad NFL, and is why soccer is such a better game.
9
To bad Chelsea did not try to score and so win in the last minutes- it might have come. Instead, they showed their true character. The team will be remembered for it.
1
You must have seen a different match. Spurs choked and proceeded to cheap-shot Chelsea players at every opportunity.
2
I wouldn't have mattered if Chelsea won, Leicester would still have won the league. Spurs had to win though to have had a chance to win the league.
I never saw a player blow his nose into his hand and throw it on an opposing player, before yesterday. However, we do have football players who will step on downed opponents "by accident".
1
Richard III's revenge on Henry Tudor - from the Leicester Parking Lot.
34
I am delighted for Leicester City winning the English Premiership, and to the readers of NYT who have also appreciated the immense significance of this small town club taking on, and beating, the so-called Big Boys of world football. Live the dream. Funnily enough Leicester's success will probably do far more to promote football in the US than any Beckham or Pele ever did.Minnows in a big ocean - well done Leicester.
46
They couldn't, by definition, be minnows if they were already set in the premier league, which represents the top twenty clubs in the UK. Minnows would be in the fourth tier, not the first.
What is amazing is the foolishness of the UK gaming industry to offer 5000 to 1 odds against any team in a group of only twenty winning the title. That madness has cost them dear. They won't make that mistake again.
What is amazing is the foolishness of the UK gaming industry to offer 5000 to 1 odds against any team in a group of only twenty winning the title. That madness has cost them dear. They won't make that mistake again.
1
So true. I never enjoyed a soccer match until I watched Leicester last Sunday, with the exception of our US lady Olympians.
2
John, that's not true. Every league has minnows. This year's model is Bournemouth, in the top flight for the first time in club history, playing in a stadium with a capacity of 11,000, and favored to drop right back to the championship. But yhey didn't. Instead, Aston Villa, 1982 European Cup winners, with a huge, iconic ground, will finish dead last.
Last year, everybody thought Leicester was sure to be a one season Prem phenomenon, dead last after 29 matches pkayed. A hot streak got them to finish comfortably safe, in 14th. But their ground holds about 25,000, a far sight from Man United's Old Trafford, 75,000 capacity, Arsenal's Emirates, capacity 60,000, and even relegation threatened Newcastle, whose St. James Park packs 52,000 Geordies.
It's just that while minnows can win a cup competition, like the FA Cup, they almost never win a league championship. Now they have in Leicester.
Last year, everybody thought Leicester was sure to be a one season Prem phenomenon, dead last after 29 matches pkayed. A hot streak got them to finish comfortably safe, in 14th. But their ground holds about 25,000, a far sight from Man United's Old Trafford, 75,000 capacity, Arsenal's Emirates, capacity 60,000, and even relegation threatened Newcastle, whose St. James Park packs 52,000 Geordies.
It's just that while minnows can win a cup competition, like the FA Cup, they almost never win a league championship. Now they have in Leicester.
2
i am still trying to search for logic in this win...common understanding now a days is, spend big money, sign big name stars if you want to even compete for title! Leicester was on relegation candidate list of most experts at the start of season!
4
The Bernie Sanders of the Premier League
8
Except Bernie hasn't won anything. It's like calling them the Santorums
1
Geez, can you give it a break? Just let us enjoy Leicester's achievement without injecting politics into it.
6
Except Leicester is not all talk and is able to deliver the goods.
1
How can you not love this story! I follow other teams in the BPL but was just as captivated by this unlikely journey as was every other true football fan. Even Tottenham fans have to admit their team didn't deserve it in the end (especially with the thuggish performance today and with how the team folded under pressure over the past three weeks). What a privilege to watch this unfold week after week. Up Foxes!
9
good on ya, mates. Well done and well deserved. Raises all round next season.
7
Richard III must be dancing in his new grave. Cheers to him for obviously causing all of this.
50
Really happy for Claudio Ranieri; here's a manager that doesn't try to make himself the centre of attention, no histrionics on the touchline, no complaining about the referee before or after the match, no attempt at 'mind games' or ignoring the media. Claudio Ranieri always was a top manager; Twice a runner-up in Italy, once a runner-up in England, now he's a winner.
56
This is one U.S. citizen who has become addicted to watching this English league over the last two and one-half seasons. I still can't watch the pro U.S. league soccer which seems so bland to me. While (or whilst as you Brits would say) I admire the grit and Horatio Alger story of this midlands club as improbable champs, I also salute the young talent at Tottenham for their spirit and abilities. I'm just happy the loathsome puffed up Chelsea won't win anything.
But explain one thing to me British readers. Why are the spectators (with exceptions at some grounds/stadia) overwhelmingly male? Even our gridiron football here has a better gender spectator ratio and it's certainly even more violent and sometimes rowdy.
But explain one thing to me British readers. Why are the spectators (with exceptions at some grounds/stadia) overwhelmingly male? Even our gridiron football here has a better gender spectator ratio and it's certainly even more violent and sometimes rowdy.
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I would surmise the fans are mostly male for the same reason that fans of the visiting team sit in a roped-off section of the stands with numerous security guards positioned between the supporters of the home team and the visitors.
Because historically it has never been a sport with bi-gender appeal. If you had been an ardent supporter in the fifties, as was I (at Chelsea), standing on packed open terraces in all weathers - cold, sometimes wet, and often miserable, you would understand that few women were interested in coming.
But there has been one important and very unwelcome change, and that is playing to the crowd - which has now reached disgusting levels. Goalscorers are now much more concerned about showing off to the crowd than they are celebrating with their fellow players; even those who had set the goal up for them. Make no mistake: this shows a dreadful lowering of personal character in soccer - but you still don't see it in the somewhat up-market game of rugby union football. In a nutshell, by and large women do not want to be present among a chauvinistic, howling crowd of soccer fans.
But there has been one important and very unwelcome change, and that is playing to the crowd - which has now reached disgusting levels. Goalscorers are now much more concerned about showing off to the crowd than they are celebrating with their fellow players; even those who had set the goal up for them. Make no mistake: this shows a dreadful lowering of personal character in soccer - but you still don't see it in the somewhat up-market game of rugby union football. In a nutshell, by and large women do not want to be present among a chauvinistic, howling crowd of soccer fans.
2
it was even worse 30 or 40 years ago. it's been the most important passtime for working class males since the war. during the 70s and 80s it was associated with a national culture of tribal violence. those days have gone, and football has gentrified somewhat, although it's still a part of lad culture today. girls don't play it that much, although it's slowly improving, certainly nothing they do in the US. there's a fair pecentage of girls and women at games. i'd say 20 to 30%. but it depends on club to club. each club has it's own fan cutlure, some are very family orientated. remember it's two games a week, nine months of the year. if you travel to away games it's a massive part of your life. that sort of commitment every week (Saturday afternoon, peak shopping time) isn't every woman's cup of tea.
2
132 years in existence, 7 time second tier champions, and now their first major trophy
What a story. Well done to the manager, the team, the fans
And not a bit of luck. They have been the best team this season; their athleticism, team work, and work ethic has been a joy to watch
Take stop - Champions League winners 2017!
What a story. Well done to the manager, the team, the fans
And not a bit of luck. They have been the best team this season; their athleticism, team work, and work ethic has been a joy to watch
Take stop - Champions League winners 2017!
12
What a wonderful story. The bookies must be in a
shock. Thee pay out is enormous.
shock. Thee pay out is enormous.
8
They would have taken a lot of money on the 'big teams'. No tears for the bookies.
7
Luckily for the bookies very few people appear to have placed bets when the odds were 5000-1.
2
Grateful that this story did not do what almost every other US media outlet has done re Leicester City, i.e., use the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series as an analogy. It's a ridiculous analogy that does no justice to what this team hasaccomplished. The Cubs are in a large major city and cultural center with a lot of money behind them - but despite all their advantages, they haven't been able to win the world series since almost before God was born. This Leicester team has few of the advantages the Cubs have had: they are from a backwater city with a payroll that is a meagre faction of the big guns and an historically fragile ability to stay in the big leagues. But they have heart, good coaching, and loyal fans. As have the Cubs. But Leicester has been able to pull off this miracle without all the other overwhelming advantages the Cubs have. So, I am grateful that this story, unlike EVERY other story I have read, has not made that silly, stupid, ignorant analogy.
51
It's hard for Americans to come up with a fitting analogy because we don't have relegation. No matter how bad the Jacksonville Jaguars are, they are still an NFL team. This is more like if a good Division III basketball progra. got promoted to Division I and beat North Carolina and Kentucky and Duke and UCLA en route to an NCAA Title.
36
Nice comment. But we have a parallel in the U.S. -- the Green Bay Packers-- the only publicly-owned NFL team -- and it's from a small place, with limited everything compared to the standard example of Chicago. Yet, with Bart Starr and others, they were in contention and grinded out many championships and Super Bowls.
The key to Leicester's claim to fame it seems is the 132-year drought as well as being a small place!
The key to Leicester's claim to fame it seems is the 132-year drought as well as being a small place!
No, Paul Robinson, the Green Bay Packers are no parallel whatsoever. Look up the words "NFL" and "socialism" and you'll find a litany of rational explanations for why the Green Bay Packers have been able to punch up their market's weight (a market which, for all practical purposes, includes Milwaukee).
We in the USA and Canada have been spoiled by the enforced parity of our major professional sports leagues. Even MLB is a paragon of parity compared to the financial free-for-all that is European football. It makes me appreciate that our own soccer league, MLS, has chosen to hew more to the North American model of each team having something of a chance and not cave in to the calls for relegation and promotion from the purists and snobs.
We in the USA and Canada have been spoiled by the enforced parity of our major professional sports leagues. Even MLB is a paragon of parity compared to the financial free-for-all that is European football. It makes me appreciate that our own soccer league, MLS, has chosen to hew more to the North American model of each team having something of a chance and not cave in to the calls for relegation and promotion from the purists and snobs.
2
As a British Expat (and a Liverpool fan), it's hard to describe just HOW unprecedented this title is. I'm not sure even this article does it justice.
I think it'll be seen as THE most remarkable Championship win in ANY sport, EVER. Nothing else even comes close - there seems to be consensus on that.
of course special praise has to be shown towards Vardy, Mahrez and Kante, but what this has shown is just what teamwork can achieve, along with great leadership from the legendary Claudio Ranieri.
Not only is it amazing for the players (many of whom have come from lowly beginnings), it's amazing for the club, for the Premier League, and for soccer in general.
It will inspire players to dream that next year, it could be them, and it will give hope to millions of fans that just maybe their team can do the same.
I can see on Twitter already that the entire city of Leicester is partying tonight, along with the players - I imagine that will continue for a while to come yet!
All in all, absolutely remarkable.
Congratulations Leicester.
I think it'll be seen as THE most remarkable Championship win in ANY sport, EVER. Nothing else even comes close - there seems to be consensus on that.
of course special praise has to be shown towards Vardy, Mahrez and Kante, but what this has shown is just what teamwork can achieve, along with great leadership from the legendary Claudio Ranieri.
Not only is it amazing for the players (many of whom have come from lowly beginnings), it's amazing for the club, for the Premier League, and for soccer in general.
It will inspire players to dream that next year, it could be them, and it will give hope to millions of fans that just maybe their team can do the same.
I can see on Twitter already that the entire city of Leicester is partying tonight, along with the players - I imagine that will continue for a while to come yet!
All in all, absolutely remarkable.
Congratulations Leicester.
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Agreed. If your not from that side of the pond, it's hard to grasp just how incredible this achievement is. Perhaps apples and oranges, but in this one championship, Ranieri has elevated himself to the status afforded Alex Ferguson.
3
Sorry to be a damp rag, but Leicester were already in the group of twenty representing the best teams in the country. So they came top out of twenty: what's so remarkable about ANY team in the top twenty winning the title? They wouldn't be in that top group if it were not possible, would they? It's the original odds of 5000 to 1 that is mind-blowing. What idiot worked that out?
Help situate it for us! These stories never explain the soccer league set up--especially when at the end it's mentioned Leicester will get to play in some championship next year.
Is the Premier league-- *the* major British soccer league? Is it a minor league? Or, high second tier?
If it's not the major league, then it would be the equivalent of a minor league baseball team in the U.S. finally winning (albeit not going back 132 years). But that wouldn't make it the most amazing win, season ever.
The Major League Baseball teams of the Miracle Braves or Amazing Mets would be up there instead.
Is the Premier league-- *the* major British soccer league? Is it a minor league? Or, high second tier?
If it's not the major league, then it would be the equivalent of a minor league baseball team in the U.S. finally winning (albeit not going back 132 years). But that wouldn't make it the most amazing win, season ever.
The Major League Baseball teams of the Miracle Braves or Amazing Mets would be up there instead.
"Incredible" is a word that has become an overused cliche in the sporting world as well as in journalism and in general. But Leicester's achievement truly would not have been believed by anyone if you'd suggested it at this time last year, incredible!
7
Much has been said about the lack of comparison in US sport to explain the Leicester phenomenon so this may help.
British comedian Mark Steele was trying to explain the improbability to non football following friends with his analogies becoming increasingly weak. He finally hit upon "It's like winning the Grand National .......on a cat"
(I'm now wondering if the Grand National reference works in the NYT!)
British comedian Mark Steele was trying to explain the improbability to non football following friends with his analogies becoming increasingly weak. He finally hit upon "It's like winning the Grand National .......on a cat"
(I'm now wondering if the Grand National reference works in the NYT!)
Sorry - not so. They were in the premier league (of twenty) by merit.
It is not at all uncommon for recently promoted teams to come top of the league or division they have just joined or re-joined.
It is not at all uncommon for recently promoted teams to come top of the league or division they have just joined or re-joined.
John, when was the last time a newly promoted team won the top tier championship in, say, England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal or the Ukraine or Russia?
2
Today Leicester City, maybe tomorrow the Cubs?
6
Was rather disgusted by the petulance and thuggery shown by the Spurs players when the game began to go against them. Surprised they finished with 11 players on the pitch, surely some retrospective punishment will be in order.
21
In mitigation, it was Chelsea.
1
Even •before• it began to go against them — within a minute or two of scoring their second goal, if not earlier. What could they possibly have been thinking? What could have possessed them, into an obsession with hacking their opponents, when their slim chance to catch Leicester City demand an unwavering focus on •nothing• but winning the game???
— Brian
— Brian
3
I wasn't at all surprised. Such behaviour is precisely what I expect of Tottenham and their group of rather peculiar supporters . . . Gooner till I die.
A quite remarkable achievement by Leicester who deserve every single plaudit. I read an incredible statistic earlier, Manchester United have spent more money on players in the last two years than Leicester have in their 132 year history. This success couldn't have happened to a nicer man in Claudio Ranieri, I have never heard a bad word said about him, what an inspired appointment that was.
30
Moments like these go along way to explain why football is referred to as, "The Beautiful Game"
7
That's really great for a "poor" team. Anyway, the english league might be the richest, but not the better. Look al at the semifinals of the Champions League. It may my turn into a final of only spanish teams. There's only 2 days to know the outcome.
1
Of course the Premier league is the best!
Spanish football is dull in comparison and the TV rights prove which is the most popular $7.5 billion for the Premier league and $3.25 for La Liga! Says it all really!
Spanish football is dull in comparison and the TV rights prove which is the most popular $7.5 billion for the Premier league and $3.25 for La Liga! Says it all really!
5
The Spanish league is better.... for two days a year, when Barcelona and Real Madrid play each other. The rest of the games don't really matter.
Will there be international discussions when Osasuna play Deportivo next season? I doubt it, but Swansea vs Leicester will draw millions, because it could decide the championship.
Will there be international discussions when Osasuna play Deportivo next season? I doubt it, but Swansea vs Leicester will draw millions, because it could decide the championship.
the spanish love to come out with this one!
please shows us some attention!!!
Real, PSG, Bayern. what? 4 difficult fixtures as season, if that?
hilarious....
please shows us some attention!!!
Real, PSG, Bayern. what? 4 difficult fixtures as season, if that?
hilarious....
I barely know a thing about soccer, but what's not to love about this story! Amazing.
12
The Foxes were let loose in the Premier League hen house and look what happened!
Well done, lads, well done!
Well done, lads, well done!
5
The world is your fan Leicester!
Next year go get the Champion's League trophy!
Next year go get the Champion's League trophy!
6
Congratulations to Leicester City's team and fans. Everyone said "never", and then you proved the naysayers wrong.
As a Kansas City Royal fan I know how you feel. And of course, our own KC Sporting won it's first MLS championship several years ago. I played soccer for decades, and have followed the sport since back in the 1970's when I was inspired by Pele to learn the game. So I am not one of these American "Johnny come Lately's" to this great global sport.
Congrats again Leicester City!!! So nice to see a "new young face" engraved on the Premier League Championship trophy . . .
As a Kansas City Royal fan I know how you feel. And of course, our own KC Sporting won it's first MLS championship several years ago. I played soccer for decades, and have followed the sport since back in the 1970's when I was inspired by Pele to learn the game. So I am not one of these American "Johnny come Lately's" to this great global sport.
Congrats again Leicester City!!! So nice to see a "new young face" engraved on the Premier League Championship trophy . . .
5
Why must there always be fans like you who have to put down the "johnny-come-lately". All sports is supposed to be fun and entertainment. Lighten up, and stop.patting yourself on the back.
3
I heard about this team and this game, which was broadcast at 6AM local time Sunday morning where I live.
I'm not a soccer fan in any way, shape or form but I must admit this game with MU was exciting. Maybe because 5/6ths of it took place in LC's goal mouth, resulting in exciting shots on goal and saves.
I'm not a soccer fan in any way, shape or form but I must admit this game with MU was exciting. Maybe because 5/6ths of it took place in LC's goal mouth, resulting in exciting shots on goal and saves.
2
Brilliant for Leicester, the Premier League and football in general. You couldn't make it up. At 5000:1 at the beginning of the season and near relegation to winning the Premier League was almost as unlikely as winning the lottery. I can't help but think Richard lll had something to do with it. After having his body reinterred after laying for centuries underneath a grim Leicester car park, it may just well be a heavenly thank you from beyond the grave. It's all a bit Sleepy Hollow.
9
I don't watch football, but this story has captivated me! Would love to see the inevitable documentaries that will be made to tell this story. Congratulations, Leicester City for doing the impossible.
4
What a pleasure it was to watch this team, over nine long months, produce an upset of such historic proportions. Once in a great while, a team bucks all the odds- not least of which was the the huge imbalance in financial resources between the Foxes and all the big-money teams- and brings to even the casual, unsophisticated watcher a deep, emotional connection born of the sheer unlikelihood of their achievement.
Thank you to all the tremendous athletes, their loyal, wonderful fans, and the perfect-for-this-team coach who, together, brought joy to so many of us who watched this beautiful drama unfold over the long season. This three-thousand-mile-distant, unknowledgeable American will never forget the magical season you have given us, and will always be thankful to have been able to watch as the tumblers of the sporting universe came into perfect alignment, for once. The real world gives us so much pain and can be so hard; here, for a short time, anyway, we are able to escape via the pure joy of the experience, courtesy of Raineri, Mahrez, Vardy, Kante, Ulloa, Morgan, Huth, Okazaki, Schlupp and all the rest.
Finally, to the Foxes long-suffering fans: A quote from New York Rangers announcer Sam Rosen (circa 1994, when the Rangers won hockey's Stanley Cup for the first time in 54 years): "This one will last a lifetime."
Go Foxes!!
Thank you to all the tremendous athletes, their loyal, wonderful fans, and the perfect-for-this-team coach who, together, brought joy to so many of us who watched this beautiful drama unfold over the long season. This three-thousand-mile-distant, unknowledgeable American will never forget the magical season you have given us, and will always be thankful to have been able to watch as the tumblers of the sporting universe came into perfect alignment, for once. The real world gives us so much pain and can be so hard; here, for a short time, anyway, we are able to escape via the pure joy of the experience, courtesy of Raineri, Mahrez, Vardy, Kante, Ulloa, Morgan, Huth, Okazaki, Schlupp and all the rest.
Finally, to the Foxes long-suffering fans: A quote from New York Rangers announcer Sam Rosen (circa 1994, when the Rangers won hockey's Stanley Cup for the first time in 54 years): "This one will last a lifetime."
Go Foxes!!
62
Wow!!!!!!!!!
Wish they'd won it at home beating Everton, but I doubt if a player on the team or a fan is complaining.
Enjoy the rest of the season Leicester! You've earned it.
See you in the Champion's League next year!
Wish they'd won it at home beating Everton, but I doubt if a player on the team or a fan is complaining.
Enjoy the rest of the season Leicester! You've earned it.
See you in the Champion's League next year!
16
Congratulations to Ranieri and the Leicester squad, representing all that is good in sport, the feel good unfancied underdog triumphing.
On the other hand, the display at Stamford Bridge represented all that isn't right in top flight football.
Mark Clattenburg, England's top rated referee, completely bottled that match. That Eric Dier and Moussa Dembele finished the match was ridiculous, as was that nobody caught sight of Erik Lamela cleating fallen Cesc Fabregas' hand, intentionally. Late on, Dembele was seen clawing at Diego Costa's eye, and what got sub keeper Michel Vorm exploding in the tinnel after the match? While Leicester has been a great advert for the Prem all season, today's proceedings were a disgusting black mark.
On the other hand, the display at Stamford Bridge represented all that isn't right in top flight football.
Mark Clattenburg, England's top rated referee, completely bottled that match. That Eric Dier and Moussa Dembele finished the match was ridiculous, as was that nobody caught sight of Erik Lamela cleating fallen Cesc Fabregas' hand, intentionally. Late on, Dembele was seen clawing at Diego Costa's eye, and what got sub keeper Michel Vorm exploding in the tinnel after the match? While Leicester has been a great advert for the Prem all season, today's proceedings were a disgusting black mark.
17
Today's game was a London derby at tis finest; blood and guts, played at 100 miles an hour. Brilliant refereeing to keep all 22 players on the field
What a game!
What a game!
2
It was a monumental collapse by Tottenham. Including the last two weeks. Talk about folding under pressure and they resort to petulant violence on the way out. Clattenburg should sit out a match based on that performance.
Up Leicester!
Up Leicester!
1
Well put. It’s astounding that the Spurs’ professionals showed such a catastrophic lack of self-control, seeking to take cheap shots at the Blues instead of working to protect the lead they held till the match was 90% done, or trying to get the additional goal they needed to keep their title chase alive, in the last 13 minutes before the final whistle.
Tottenham’s players were out of control, and Pochettino, their manager, absolutely fell down on the job, in failing to impose the modest discipline they needed to show. If the players couldn’t summon the basic respect for the game that might have moved them to act respectably, they should at least have recognized that by such deplorable conduct they were letting each •other• down. I suppose this Spurs squad did us a favor, in removing all possible doubt in a candid world that they deserved to lose the title.
— Brian
Tottenham’s players were out of control, and Pochettino, their manager, absolutely fell down on the job, in failing to impose the modest discipline they needed to show. If the players couldn’t summon the basic respect for the game that might have moved them to act respectably, they should at least have recognized that by such deplorable conduct they were letting each •other• down. I suppose this Spurs squad did us a favor, in removing all possible doubt in a candid world that they deserved to lose the title.
— Brian
2
Oh my! So the mega money Goliaths got trounced by Leicester City's David. Absolutely wonderful. GO Foxes!
29
Congratulations to Ranieri and the team. 5,000 to 1 extraordinary. Some lucky fans won a lot of money. Hooray for them!
10
I've always loved Claudio Ranieri, who never got the credit he deserved for assembling the Chelsea team that Jose Mourinho won all that silverware with. Nicest man in world football, about time he got a top division title.
5
This is as if the Green Bay Cubs hit the puck for a three-pointer in the final seconds to win the World Series Cup for the first time.
13
Did they put the puck through the ring, Ted?
3
No, man, just no.
Bliss! Such a happy story! And I don't even like football. Now where did I put the champagne?
5
I'm not even a fan of any soccer team (other than my kids') but I'm happy for Leicester. It's always great to see an underdog come out on top. Enjoy your victory!
14
Great game. What more can one say than an amazing achievement by Leicester City! Congratulations! Fairy tale come true!
2
I'm not a fan of football, yet I loved every moment of this fairytale season from Leicester my exposure was mostly through the BBC). Even with my aversion to football I had to tune in to the LE v ManU game on Sunday just to see if I would witness history in the making. Even without the title being clinched on the field, the achievement is not diminished one iota.
Fantastic season, well done everyone involved.
Fantastic season, well done everyone involved.
6
Truly an amazing accomplishment. 5,000 to 1 odds. And the fact that Mahrez cost about as much to sign as other players make in a week.
6
Best story in sports!
Congrats Leicester City FC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats Leicester City FC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
25
Awesome!
Congratulations, Leicester! I'm an Arsenal fan and very much wanted the Gunners to win the title. But how can you not love these guys! Well done!!!
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