• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Jamie Vardy revealed astronomical England bonus he almost missed out on following international debut

Home> Football> Football News

Published 07:00 20 May 2025 GMT+1

Jamie Vardy revealed astronomical England bonus he almost missed out on following international debut

The Leicester City striker made his England debut during a 0-0 draw against the Republic of Ireland in 2015 and earned a tidy amount.

Luke Davies

Luke Davies

Jamie Vardy revealed the eye-watering bonus payment he received following his England debut back in 2015.

Vardy, 38, did not follow the typical path to the top and instead found himself working in a factory producing medical equipment and playing part-time for Stockbridge Park Steeles, having been released by his boyhood club, Sheffield Wednesday, at 16 years old.

He signed for Halifax in 2010 before penning a deal at then Non-League Fleetwood Town the following year.

Advert

At the time, he was earning around £800 per week, but quickly saw his wage increase when he signed for then-Championship Leicester City in 2012.

By May 2016, Vardy was a Premier League winner and played a crucial part in the Foxes side that shocked the footballing world.

Jamie Vardy in action for England at Euro 2016 (Credit:Getty)
Jamie Vardy in action for England at Euro 2016 (Credit:Getty)

The Sheffield-born striker had made his England debut just under a year prior and picked up a staggering amount as a result, but he almost missed out on the bonus.

Advert

On June 7 2015, Vardy replaced Wayne Rooney with around 15 minutes left to play during England’s 0-0 draw in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

In his 2016 book 'Jamie Vardy: From Nowhere, My Story', following the Foxes' Premier League-winning campaign, Vardy revealed how he received a bonus due to a clause that was inserted in his contract.

“One of the agents sent John [Vardy’s agent] a picture message, not only of me coming on but also the clock… which was stopped at 74:03,” said Vardy.

“That time had special significance, not that I was aware of it, as I stood there dry-mouthed waiting to get on the pitch.

Advert

“John’s persistence in getting an England clause inserted finally looked like it had paid off.

“My contract said that I was entitled to a one-off £100,000 payment if I started for my country or came on before the 75th minute.

Jamie Vardy made his England debut in 2015 (Credit:Getty)
Jamie Vardy made his England debut in 2015 (Credit:Getty)

“That sort of wording is fairly commonplace because clubs want to protect themselves from paying out appearance money for someone who makes it onto the pitch for only a few minutes.

Advert

“It later became a slight issue with Leicester because there was a bit of a dispute as to whether the clause had been triggered or not. The substitution was in the 75th minute of the game, but to be exact, it was 74 minutes and three seconds on the clock. My agent ended up sending me the same photograph that he’d received, which I then showed to a few people at the club… it got sorted.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Jamie Vardy, Premier League, Leicester City, Football, England

Luke Davies
Luke Davies

Journalist with expertise covering football - both in England and abroad - as well as combat sports.

X

@lukedaviesmedia

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

12 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
3 hours ago
  • 12 mins ago

    ITV forced to apologise TWICE on behalf of Tyson Fury after what he said live-on-air during Soccer Aid

    Fury was interviewed on-air at Old Trafford - with perhaps an expected result...

    Football
  • an hour ago

    Thomas Tuchel told to call up player to his next England squad as fans say already he's outgrown U21 side

    The England boss has been told to promote a talented U21 after his recent performances.

    Football
  • 2 hours ago

    Jack Grealish ‘pranked’ into paying fan’s bill on holiday as TikTok goes viral

    The Man City star has been brutally pranked as his teammates prepare for the Club World Cup

    Football
  • 3 hours ago

    Trent Alexander-Arnold received two gifts from Real Madrid after signing contract with the club

    Trent Alexander-Arnold received two gifts following his transfer to Real Madrid.

    Football
  • Jamie Vardy reveals exact text message England players receive when called up to the national team
  • Jamie Vardy snubbed Wayne Rooney when naming ex-England star who surprised him most on international duty
  • Jamie Vardy at centre of huge transfer battle between six clubs from four different countries
  • Jamie Vardy didn't hesitate naming toughest defender he faced in Premier League who 'frightened' him