Declan Rice made Champions League history with two special free kicks as Arsenal defeated Real Madrid in the quarterfinal first leg.
Declan Rice is an English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal and the England national team. Known for his exceptional stamina, strength, ball-carrying ability, and tackling, Rice is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
Declan Rice was born on January 14, 1999, in Kingston upon Thames, London. Declan Rice grew up in a family with strong Irish roots—his paternal grandparents hail from Douglas, County Cork, Ireland. Declan Rice’s father, Sean, is Irish, and his mother, Teresa, is from England. He has two older brothers, Connor and Jordan, who have always supported him.
Declan Rice began his career in the youth ranks of Chelsea FC before moving to West Ham United, where he joined their senior squad in 2017. He made an immediate impact and quickly became a key player for the club. His rise to prominence continued as he was called up for England's national team, where he eventually became a staple in midfield.
Declan Rice started his career at West Ham United, where he became a key player before moving to Arsenal in 2023. He has also represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2019.
Rice spent several successful years at West Ham United, making 245 appearances and scoring 15 goals. His leadership and solid performances earned him multiple accolades, including being named Hammer of the Year in 2020 and 2023. Rice's free-kick goal in the Europa Conference League against Gent in 2023 was hailed as one of his standout moments.
In 2023, after much speculation, Rice made a high-profile transfer to Arsenal for a record £100 million, making him the joint-most expensive English player in history. At Arsenal, he continued to shine, scoring his first goal for the club in a dramatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United in September 2023.
Declan Rice makes Champions League history in 2025, with two special free kicks as Arsenal beats Real Madrid in the quarterfinal first leg.
Declan Rice was born in England but could have played for the Republic of Ireland because of his heritage. He played for Ireland at youth levels and made his senior debut in 2018. In 2019, Rice switched to play for England and has since become an important player for the national team. He has represented England in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024.
Declan Rice has a long-term girlfriend, Lauren Fryer, and they welcomed their first child, a son, in August 2022. Although there has been speculation regarding the couple's future, no reports suggest that they have married yet. Rice has kept much of his personal life private, but his commitment to his family is evident in his public appearances with his partner and son.
Declan Rice shared the joyful news with fans by tattooing his son’s name and birthdate (August 7) on his body.
In the summer of 2023, Declan Rice completed a high-profile £100 million transfer to Arsenal, marking one of the biggest deals in Premier League history. His impressive performances have significantly increased his net worth, and he is considered one of the wealthiest players in the Premier League, with an estimated fortune exceeding £50 million.
As of 2025, Declan Rice's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million, with some reports suggesting it could be as high as $50 million. This wealth comes from his football contracts, endorsements, and investments. His transfer to Arsenal in 2023 boosted his earnings significantly. He reportedly earns $318,900 per week, which is about $16.6 million annually. Rice also earns money through sponsorships, promoting brands like Adidas and Prada. He has invested in real estate, owning properties in London and Kingston-Upon-Thames, further increasing his net worth.
Declan Rice is not just a footballer; he's a symbol of persistence, skill, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Whether wearing his iconic number 41 shirt or making pivotal contributions in key matches, Rice has firmly established himself as one of the brightest talents in football.
Declan Rice stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighs 80 kg (176 lbs). With his athletic build and commitment to fitness, he regularly performs workouts, including weightlifting, squats, and other strength-training exercises to maintain peak physical condition.