The captain who played through a double hernia to secure promotion
In short: In 2017, Newcastle United's captain faced a grueling choice: undergo surgery or risk his body. Jamaal Lascelles chose the latter, enduring four months of intense pain to lead his club back to the Premier League, cementing a legacy of leadership and grit.
Jamaal Las לוascelles' career is defined by a fierce, sometimes controversial, leadership style. Born in Derby in 1993, the centre-back rose through the Nottingham Forest academy, where the club famously rejected a £5 million offer from Arsenal in January 2011. His early years were marked by significant movement, including a productive loan spell at Stevenage during the 2011–12 season, where he scored against Yeovil Town and helped the side secure a League One play-off spot.
His move to Newcastle United in August 2014 marked the beginning of a long, complex tenure. Appointed captain in 2016 by manager Rafael Benítez, Lascelles became known for his vocal presence in the dressing room. Benítez was notably impressed by Lascelles' willingness to criticize the character of senior teammates following a loss to Southampton in April 2016. This outspoken nature even led to a training ground altercation with teammate Mohamed Diamé in October 2017, an incident that ended with both players offering to treat the entire squad to lunch.
Despite the friction, his commitment was undeniable. During the 2016–17 campaign, Lascelles played through the final four months of the season while suffering from a double hernia. This determination helped guide Newcastle to the EFL Championship title. Even as injuries mounted—including a significant ACL injury in March 2024—his influence remained. In March 2025, despite being sidelined, he participated in the trophy presentation as Newcastle defeated Liverpool to win the EFL Cup, their first domestic trophy in 70 years.
After a decade-long association with Newcastle, Lascelles joined Leicester City in February 2026. However, his time there was brief; following the club's relegation to League One, he was released in May 2026.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Jamaal Lascelles
- Also: Jamaal Lascelles
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-jamaal-lascelles.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish cities · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
