Declan Rice is an English midfielder whose defensive intelligence, driving runs, and leadership have made him one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. After captaining West Ham United to a European trophy, he became a central figure at Arsenal and for England.
| Full Name | Declan Rice |
| Known For | Professional footballer |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1999 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 27 |
| Birthplace | Kingston upon Thames, London, England |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Team | Arsenal |
| Position | Midfielder |
Who Is Declan Rice?
Declan Rice is an English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal and the England national team. He is known for breaking up attacks, carrying the ball forward, and delivering goals and assists from deep. His consistency and composure have made him a leader at club and international level.
Early Life & Background
Rice was born on January 14, 1999, in Kingston upon Thames, London. His paternal grandparents came from Douglas, County Cork, Ireland, and he began playing at Dickerage Lane Adventure Playground in Kingston. He joined Chelsea Academy at age seven in 2006, but was released at 14. After a trial, he joined West Ham United Academy in 2013, a move that shaped the rest of his youth career and his path to the first team.
Career
Rice made his senior debut for West Ham in 2015 and became a regular starter, succeeding Mark Noble as captain in 2022. In 2023, he captained West Ham to the UEFA Europa Conference League title and was named the competition Player of the Season, becoming only the third West Ham captain, after Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to lift a major trophy. On July 15, 2023, he signed for Arsenal for a club-record initial fee of 100 million pounds. Internationally, he played for the Republic of Ireland at youth level and won three senior caps before switching to England in 2019. He has since played at Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup, finishing as a European Championship runner-up twice.
Facts About Declan Rice
- He joined Chelsea Academy at age seven and was released at 14 before joining West Ham.
- He succeeded Mark Noble as West Ham captain in 2022.
- He captained West Ham to the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League title and was named Player of the Season.
- He signed for Arsenal in July 2023 for a club-record initial fee of 100 million pounds.
- He won three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before switching to England in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Declan Rice?
Declan Rice is 27 years old as of 2026. He was born on January 14, 1999.
How tall is Declan Rice?
Declan Rice is 6 ft 2 in tall, which is 1.88 m.
What team does Declan Rice play for?
Declan Rice plays for Arsenal in England.
What position does Declan Rice play?
Declan Rice plays as a defensive midfielder.
Where was Declan Rice born?
Declan Rice was born in Kingston upon Thames, London, England.
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