{"id":246644,"first_name":"Decland","last_name":"Rice","short_name":"D. Rice","common_name":"Declan Rice","place_of_birth":"London","gender":"male","height":185,"weight":77,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T10:22:38.951Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:28.044Z","locale":"en","age":26,"stb_id":"declan-rice","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Declan Rice","top_position":null,"introduction":"Declan Rice, born on 14 January 1999, is an accomplished English professional footballer revered for his exceptional abilities as a defensive midfielder. Currently playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and the England national team, Rice is celebrated for his stamina, ball-carrying prowess, and robust tackling skills. These attributes have garnered him recognition as one of the top defensive midfielders globally. His career is marked by significant achievements, including leading West Ham United to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League and transitioning seamlessly to a prominent role at Arsenal.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nDeclan Rice was born in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London. His early life was influenced by his paternal grandparents from Douglas, County Cork, Ireland. Raised in a football-loving environment, Rice's passion for the sport was evident from a young age. His education in football began at Chelsea's academy, where he joined in 2006 at just seven years old. However, his journey took a pivotal turn in 2013 when he was released by Chelsea at the age of 14. This setback led him to West Ham United's academy, where he impressed coaches with his determination and persistence.\n\n## Youth Career\nDuring his youth career at West Ham United, Declan Rice quickly stood out as a promising talent. He contributed significantly to the team, winning the Premier League Cup with the under-21s in 2016. His development continued as he moved up the ranks and played a crucial role in helping the under-23s secure the Premier League 2 Division 2 championship in 2020. Even in these early stages, Rice displayed key qualities that would define his professional career, including an unwavering work ethic and leadership potential.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### West Ham United\nIn December 2015, Rice signed his first professional contract with West Ham United, marking the beginning of a pivotal phase in his career. His ascent to the first team was swift, making his debut at the end of the 2016-17 Premier League season after impressive performances with the under-23s. Notably, he captained the under-23s to promotion, showcasing early signs of leadership.\n\nBy the 2017-18 season, Rice had become a regular fixture in the squad, making over 50 appearances before the age of 20. His breakthrough moment came in January 2019 when he scored his first goal for West Ham in a match against Arsenal, earning the Man of the Match title. Throughout his stint at West Ham, Rice remained a key player, eventually taking over as club captain in 2022. His leadership culminated in guiding West Ham to a UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2023, a historic achievement for the club.\n\n### Arsenal\nIn July 2023, Declan Rice made a high-profile move to Arsenal, transferring for a club-record fee of £100 million. His debut for Arsenal came in the FA Community Shield against Manchester City, a match that Arsenal won. Rice soon endeared himself to Arsenal fans by scoring a crucial stoppage-time goal in a victory against Manchester United during the 2023-24 Premier League season.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Republic of Ireland\nRice began his international career representing the Republic of Ireland, utilizing eligibility through his Irish heritage. His performances earned him the Republic of Ireland U17 Player of the Year award in 2017. He made his senior debut for Ireland in 2018 but soon found himself at the center of a national allegiance debate, ultimately pondering a switch to England.\n\n### England\nIn 2019, Rice committed his international future to England. He made his England debut in March 2019 during a Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic. Since then, Rice has been a mainstay in the national squad, representing England in major tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2020, where England reached the final, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His contributions on the international stage have been significant, underscoring his versatility and skill as a defensive midfielder.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nDeclan Rice is chiefly recognized for his robust defensive midfield capabilities, which encompass exceptional tackling and ball interception skills. His athleticism further supplements his role, allowing him to perform consistently at a high level throughout matches. Rice has also evolved into a more complete midfielder, noted for his ball-carrying skills, and occasionally takes on more offensive responsibilities in a number eight role, demonstrating his versatility.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his career with West Ham United, Rice played 245 matches and scored 15 goals. His tenure in the Premier League has been marked by his superior ability to win possession and make interceptions, leading these statistics among his teammates and often across the league.\n\n## Records\nAmong Rice's notable records is his status as one of only three West Ham captains to lead the club to a major European trophy. Additionally, he became one of the most expensive English players in history following his transfer to Arsenal.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- UEFA Europa Conference League: 2022–23 (West Ham United)\n- FA Community Shield: 2023 (Arsenal)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- West Ham United Young Player of the Year: 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19\n- West Ham United Player of the Year: 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23\n- FAI Young International Player of the Year: 2018\n- UEFA Europa Conference League Player of the Season: 2022–23\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nRice has been recognized as a pivotal figure in his teams, being named in various team selections like the PFA Team of the Year for the 2023–24 Premier League season. His leadership and consistent performances have earned him accolades and recognition in both domestic and European competitions.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nDeclan Rice's career is a testament to his resilience and ambition. Overcoming early setbacks, he rose to become a formidable figure in English football, known for his leadership and versatility on the field. His impact is seen in his pivotal roles at West Ham and Arsenal and his contributions to recent successes of the England national team.\n\n## Off the Field\nBeyond his on-field prowess, Rice has maintained a positive public image. He has navigated his career with professionalism despite controversies, including a notable allegiance switch from Ireland to England.\n\n## Personal Life\nRice has maintained a close friendship with fellow footballer Mason Mount since their days at Chelsea's academy. He welcomed his first child with long-term partner Lauren Fryer in 2022, marking a significant personal milestone. Despite professional challenges, Rice's personal life reflects a steady and supportive environment, contributing to both his on-field and off-field success.","stb_internal_id":"019300ff-6821-766a-bc69-86a1eb797981","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"central-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":true,"introduction_html":"

Declan Rice, born on 14 January 1999, is an accomplished English professional footballer revered for his exceptional abilities as a defensive midfielder. Currently playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and the England national team, Rice is celebrated for his stamina, ball-carrying prowess, and robust tackling skills. These attributes have garnered him recognition as one of the top defensive midfielders globally. His career is marked by significant achievements, including leading West Ham United to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League and transitioning seamlessly to a prominent role at Arsenal.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Declan Rice was born in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London. His early life was influenced by his paternal grandparents from Douglas, County Cork, Ireland. Raised in a football-loving environment, Rice's passion for the sport was evident from a young age. His education in football began at Chelsea's academy, where he joined in 2006 at just seven years old. However, his journey took a pivotal turn in 2013 when he was released by Chelsea at the age of 14. This setback led him to West Ham United's academy, where he impressed coaches with his determination and persistence.

Youth Career

During his youth career at West Ham United, Declan Rice quickly stood out as a promising talent. He contributed significantly to the team, winning the Premier League Cup with the under-21s in 2016. His development continued as he moved up the ranks and played a crucial role in helping the under-23s secure the Premier League 2 Division 2 championship in 2020. Even in these early stages, Rice displayed key qualities that would define his professional career, including an unwavering work ethic and leadership potential.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

West Ham United

In December 2015, Rice signed his first professional contract with West Ham United, marking the beginning of a pivotal phase in his career. His ascent to the first team was swift, making his debut at the end of the 2016-17 Premier League season after impressive performances with the under-23s. Notably, he captained the under-23s to promotion, showcasing early signs of leadership.

By the 2017-18 season, Rice had become a regular fixture in the squad, making over 50 appearances before the age of 20. His breakthrough moment came in January 2019 when he scored his first goal for West Ham in a match against Arsenal, earning the Man of the Match title. Throughout his stint at West Ham, Rice remained a key player, eventually taking over as club captain in 2022. His leadership culminated in guiding West Ham to a UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2023, a historic achievement for the club.

Arsenal

In July 2023, Declan Rice made a high-profile move to Arsenal, transferring for a club-record fee of £100 million. His debut for Arsenal came in the FA Community Shield against Manchester City, a match that Arsenal won. Rice soon endeared himself to Arsenal fans by scoring a crucial stoppage-time goal in a victory against Manchester United during the 2023-24 Premier League season.

National Team Career

Republic of Ireland

Rice began his international career representing the Republic of Ireland, utilizing eligibility through his Irish heritage. His performances earned him the Republic of Ireland U17 Player of the Year award in 2017. He made his senior debut for Ireland in 2018 but soon found himself at the center of a national allegiance debate, ultimately pondering a switch to England.

England

In 2019, Rice committed his international future to England. He made his England debut in March 2019 during a Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic. Since then, Rice has been a mainstay in the national squad, representing England in major tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2020, where England reached the final, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His contributions on the international stage have been significant, underscoring his versatility and skill as a defensive midfielder.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Declan Rice is chiefly recognized for his robust defensive midfield capabilities, which encompass exceptional tackling and ball interception skills. His athleticism further supplements his role, allowing him to perform consistently at a high level throughout matches. Rice has also evolved into a more complete midfielder, noted for his ball-carrying skills, and occasionally takes on more offensive responsibilities in a number eight role, demonstrating his versatility.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his career with West Ham United, Rice played 245 matches and scored 15 goals. His tenure in the Premier League has been marked by his superior ability to win possession and make interceptions, leading these statistics among his teammates and often across the league.

Records

Among Rice's notable records is his status as one of only three West Ham captains to lead the club to a major European trophy. Additionally, he became one of the most expensive English players in history following his transfer to Arsenal.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

UEFA Europa Conference League: 2022–23 (West Ham United)
FA Community Shield: 2023 (Arsenal)

Individual Achievements

West Ham United Young Player of the Year: 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
West Ham United Player of the Year: 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23
FAI Young International Player of the Year: 2018
UEFA Europa Conference League Player of the Season: 2022–23

Awards and Recognition

Rice has been recognized as a pivotal figure in his teams, being named in various team selections like the PFA Team of the Year for the 2023–24 Premier League season. His leadership and consistent performances have earned him accolades and recognition in both domestic and European competitions.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Declan Rice's career is a testament to his resilience and ambition. Overcoming early setbacks, he rose to become a formidable figure in English football, known for his leadership and versatility on the field. His impact is seen in his pivotal roles at West Ham and Arsenal and his contributions to recent successes of the England national team.

Off the Field

Beyond his on-field prowess, Rice has maintained a positive public image. He has navigated his career with professionalism despite controversies, including a notable allegiance switch from Ireland to England.

Personal Life

Rice has maintained a close friendship with fellow footballer Mason Mount since their days at Chelsea's academy. He welcomed his first child with long-term partner Lauren Fryer in 2022, marking a significant personal milestone. Despite professional challenges, Rice's personal life reflects a steady and supportive environment, contributing to both his on-field and off-field success.

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Declan Rice: Profile