Two photos of Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy — taken nearly a decade apart — have gone viral for showcasing a remarkable full-circle moment. In both images, Vardy appears alongside a current Leicester star, but the earlier photo captures the younger Fox in a very different role: as a ballboy enthusiastically supporting his future teammate.
Jamie Vardy, widely regarded as Leicester City’s most iconic and successful player, played his final game for the club on Sunday. The 38-year-old striker marked the occasion by scoring his 200th goal in his 500th appearance as the Foxes secured a 2-0 win over fellow relegated side Ipswich Town. It was an emotional and historic send-off for the King Power faithful.
Adding to the poignancy of the day was the presence of winger Kasey McAteer — now a Republic of Ireland international — who was among the first players to celebrate Vardy’s milestone goal. What made the moment even more special is the resurfacing of an old photo from the 2015/16 Premier League title-winning season, where a young McAteer was captured in the background as a ballboy, cheering Vardy on during a comeback win against Aston Villa.
The now-viral images show McAteer first as a boy on the sidelines and then, years later, jumping on Vardy’s back in celebration — an almost surreal reflection of their journey from fan to teammate. The heartwarming story highlights not just Vardy’s legendary status, but the dreams that can come true through the ranks of the Leicester City academy.
