Declan Rice
Declan Rice is 27 years old in 2026, born on 14 January 1999. England Midfielder for Arsenal.
| Appearances | 2 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 |
| Red Cards | — |
| Goals / Match | 0.00 |
📖 Declan Rice: Biography & Story
Arsenal's £105m heartbeat: England's finest defensive midfielder.
Declan Rice is the engine that makes Arsenal and England tick. A defensive midfielder of the highest calibre, he does the work that doesn't always make the highlights but is absolutely fundamental: breaking up opposition attacks, recycling possession with intelligent short passing and arriving late to score crucial goals.
Arsenal signed him from West Ham United in July 2023 for £105 million, a British transfer record at the time. The fee raised eyebrows, but Rice immediately justified it. He became the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta's side, covering ground, pressing relentlessly and providing the defensive protection that allowed Arsenal's creative players to express themselves fully.
For England, Rice has grown into a true leader. Previously representing the Republic of Ireland at youth level (three appearances, before switching allegiance), he has been one of England's most consistent performers at every major tournament since. He captained England on several occasions during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and has become one of Gareth Southgate's (and subsequently Thomas Tuchel's) most trusted players.
🗺️ Career Journey
Released at 14: a decision Chelsea would live to regret
Developed through the ranks after being picked up by West Ham
Europa Conference League winner 2022/23; captain
£105m British record signing; became club captain
🏆 Honours & Achievements
👨👩👦 Personal Life & Family
Declan Rice was born on 14 January 1999 in Kingston upon Thames. His family moved to Cork, Ireland when he was a child, which is why he initially represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level. He was released by Chelsea's academy at 14, considered too small, a decision that became one of the most discussed in English football given his subsequent development. West Ham United signed him shortly after, and he rose through their ranks to become one of the finest midfielders in the country.
Declan Rice and his partner Lauren Fryer have been together for many years, having met as teenagers. They have a son, Jude. His best friend from his Chelsea academy days is Mason Mount, and the pair remain extremely close. Rice has three brothers and is known for his family-first mentality. His father Sean Rice has been a constant presence at his games throughout his career.
💡 Did You Know?: Declan Trivia
Rice was released by Chelsea at 14 for being "too small". He went on to sign for Arsenal at age 24 for £105 million.
He represented the Republic of Ireland three times at senior level before switching allegiance to England in 2019.
He scored against his former club West Ham on his Arsenal debut: an emotional moment for both player and fans.
His best friend is Mason Mount: the pair have been close since their Chelsea academy days as children.
He is one of the top 10 most expensive transfers in Premier League history.
Declan Rice is a midfielder for Arsenal. Add them to your Fantasy XI within a 100-credit budget and score from their real match stats.
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