Danny Drinkwater Net Worth, Salary & Estimated Wealth

Danny Drinkwater enjoyed a career that took him from the Manchester United academy to the Premier League title with Leicester City, before a high-profile move to Chelsea made him one of the better-paid English midfielders of his generation.

Although his playing career ultimately ended earlier than many expected, Drinkwater remains best remembered for his crucial role in Leicester's remarkable 2015/16 Premier League title triumph. His move to Chelsea the following year also brought a significant increase in his earnings, making his career an interesting one to look back on.

What Is Danny Drinkwater's Net Worth?

Danny Drinkwater's net worth has been estimated at around £38 million. However, this is an estimate rather than a confirmed figure, as Drinkwater's personal assets, investments, property holdings and other sources of income are not publicly disclosed.

A large proportion of his estimated wealth comes from his football career, particularly the lucrative contract he signed with Chelsea in 2017.

Drinkwater spent five years under contract at Stamford Bridge, although much of that time was spent away from the first-team picture or out on loan.

How Much Did Danny Drinkwater Earn?

Drinkwater's reported Chelsea salary was around £120,000 per week at the peak of his contract. That worked out at approximately £6.24 million per year.

Based on the £120,000 weekly estimate, his reported earnings were approximately:

Per year: £6.24 million

Per month: £520,000

Per week: £120,000
Per day: £17,140

Per hour: £714

These figures represent reported gross salary and do not necessarily account for bonuses, sponsorship income, tax or other deductions.

Danny Drinkwater's Career

Drinkwater began his career at Manchester United, joining the club's academy and progressing through the youth ranks. However, he never made a senior appearance for United.

Instead, he gained valuable first-team experience through a series of loan spells, including time with Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Watford and Barnsley.

His career changed direction when he joined Leicester City permanently in 2012.

At the King Power Stadium, Drinkwater developed into a composed central midfielder and became an important part of the Leicester side that eventually secured promotion to the Premier League.

His partnership with N'Golo Kanté became particularly influential during Leicester's historic title-winning campaign.

Leicester City's Premier League Triumph

The defining achievement of Drinkwater's career came in the 2015/16 season.

Leicester had started the campaign among heavy underdogs with many interested in football betting tipping them for relegation, but Claudio Ranieri's side produced one of the greatest stories in English football history.

Drinkwater was a key component of the midfield throughout the campaign, starting 35 league matches as Leicester finished top of the Premier League.

The title was the first major league championship in Leicester's history and one of the most unexpected triumphs the competition has ever seen.

Drinkwater's performances also earned him international recognition, with the midfielder making his England debut in 2016.

Move To Chelsea

Following Leicester's title-winning season, Drinkwater signed a new contract with the club, with reports at the time suggesting he was earning around £80,000 per week.

However, his stay in Leicester after winning the league was ultimately short-lived.

Chelsea signed Drinkwater in August 2017 for a reported £35 million, bringing him to Stamford Bridge alongside former Leicester teammate N'Golo Kanté.

The move represented the biggest transfer of Drinkwater's career, but his time in west London didn't go how he would've hoped.

He made relatively few appearances for Chelsea and subsequently spent loan spells with Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasimpasa and Reading.

Why Did Danny Drinkwater Retire?

Drinkwater's career effectively came to an end after his Chelsea contract expired in June 2022.

He later explained that he had become frustrated with being in "limbo" and unable to find an opportunity at a level where he felt valued.

In October 2023, Drinkwater confirmed his retirement from professional football at the age of 33. He had not played since his final spell with Reading.

His retirement brought an end to a career that had taken him from the Manchester United academy to becoming a Premier League champion and England international.

Danny Drinkwater's Honours

Despite the difficulties he experienced later in his career, Drinkwater's trophy cabinet still includes some major honours.

His achievements include:

• Premier League winner with Leicester City
• FA Cup winner with Chelsea
• UEFA Champions League semi-finalist with Chelsea
• England international
• Championship promotion winner with Leicester City

His Premier League title remains the standout achievement of his career and one that few players can match.

How Old Is Danny Drinkwater?

Danny Drinkwater was born on 5 March 1990.

He retired from professional football in 2023, meaning his playing career is now behind him.

What Is Danny Drinkwater Doing Now?

Since retiring, Drinkwater has largely stepped away from professional football.

His post-playing career has attracted interest because of the contrast between the extraordinary success he enjoyed at Leicester and the struggles that followed his move to Chelsea. It's reported he now spends his time working in property development and hands-on construction.

Nevertheless, his place in Leicester City history is secure. He was an integral member of the side that produced one of the biggest shocks in Premier League history.

His subsequent £35 million transfer to Chelsea brought a reported salary of around £120,000 per week, dramatically increasing his career earnings.

With his net worth estimated at around £38 million, Drinkwater accumulated considerable wealth during his years as a professional footballer, even though his career eventually ended earlier than expected.

Today, he is best remembered as a Premier League champion and an important part of Leicester's unforgettable title-winning team.