Lauren Fryer is the long-term partner of Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice. Despite her eight-year relationship with one of football’s most expensive players, Fryer maintains a fiercely private life, particularly after enduring severe online abuse that forced her to delete all content from her social media accounts in 2023.
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Born and raised in Chessington, Greater London, Lauren Fryer, 25, has been Rice’s steadfast support system since their teenage years. The couple share a son, Jude, born August 7, 2022, and navigated one of football’s most high-profile social media harassment campaigns together. Their story highlights both the devotion of childhood sweethearts and the darker realities faced by partners of elite athletes.
Quick Bio: Lauren Fryer at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Lauren Fryer |
| Age (2026) | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Chessington, Greater London, England |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with Declan Rice (since 2016) |
| Children | 1 son, Jude Rice (born August 7, 2022) |
| Notable For | Partner of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice; advocate for privacy after online abuse |
| Social Media Status | Instagram account wiped clean (April 2024); account remains public with 98,000+ followers |
| Current Residence | Kingston-Upon-Thames, London |
| Net Worth (2026) | No independent income publicly disclosed; Declan Rice’s estimated net worth: £26 million |
Who Is Lauren Fryer?
Lauren Fryer is Declan Rice’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his son, Jude. The 25-year-old from Chessington has been in a relationship with the Arsenal midfielder since they were both 17 years old, meeting during their school days. Unlike many WAGs (wives and girlfriends of footballers), Fryer has deliberately chosen to remain out of the spotlight, focusing on her role as a mother and partner rather than pursuing public attention.
Fryer’s preference for privacy became even more pronounced after she became the target of brutal online trolling in December 2023. Anonymous accounts mocked her appearance and questioned Rice’s choice of partner, leading to a flood of abusive comments that ultimately forced her to remove all photos from her Instagram account in April 2024. Despite this harassment, she has maintained her public profile with over 98,000 followers, though her feed now contains no images.
How Did Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer Meet?
Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer met when they were both 17 years old and attending school in their hometown area of Greater London. Their relationship began in 2016, making them one of football’s longest-standing young couples. Fryer has been by Rice’s side through every stage of his career, from his West Ham United debut, through his record-breaking £105 million transfer to Arsenal in 2023, to his appearances for England at major tournaments including Euro 2024.
The couple celebrated their eighth anniversary in February 2024, shortly before the online abuse escalated. Their relationship has remained remarkably stable despite the intense scrutiny that comes with dating one of England’s most prominent footballers.
Do Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer Have Children?
Yes, Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer have one child together. Their son, Jude Rice, was born on August 7, 2022, while Rice was still playing for West Ham United. The couple kept Lauren’s pregnancy entirely private, with fans only learning about Jude’s arrival when Rice revealed a new tattoo featuring his son’s name, birthdate (August 7), and zodiac sign (Leo) on his arm.
Jude has become a central focus for the couple, with Lauren taking on the role of stay-at-home mother. She accompanied Rice and their son to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and Jude has been spotted at matches supporting his father, though the family continues to shield him from excessive media attention.
What Happened With the Online Trolling Lauren Fryer Faced?
In December 2023, an anonymous social media account posted criticism of Lauren Fryer’s appearance, suggesting that Declan Rice “could do better” and questioning his choice of partner. The post went viral, triggering an avalanche of abusive comments about Fryer’s weight and looks. The harassment intensified to the point where she felt forced to take drastic action.
By April 2024, Fryer had deleted all images from her Instagram account, though she kept the account active with her 98,000+ followers. Rice also removed all photos of Fryer from his own social media in solidarity. The abuse was so severe that Liberty Poole, a Love Island star, publicly defended Fryer on her Instagram Stories, writing: “I think she’s beautiful, this is crazy. What happened to celebrating different body types and embracing how we are all individually made.”
Rice himself spoke out against the trolling, calling Lauren “the love of his life” and firmly stating he didn’t “need an upgrade.” The incident highlighted the toxic reality many partners of high-profile athletes face, particularly women who don’t conform to stereotypical beauty standards.
The Felicity Hayward Mistaken Identity Incident
The trolling took an even more bizarre turn when plus-size model and influencer Felicity Hayward attended an Adidas and Arsenal third kit launch event where she photographed with Rice. When she posted the photo on social media, trolls, unfamiliar with Hayward, mistakenly assumed she was Lauren Fryer and unleashed another wave of abuse.
Hayward, who has nearly 300,000 followers for her fashion and football content, described the harassment as “the worst” she’d ever experienced, noting the comments were “coming from full grown men.” In a TikTok video addressing the situation, Hayward said: “Lauren is absolutely gorgeous and the issue here isn’t that people are suggesting that I am her, it’s the fact that whether it is me or her in the image, they’re using this opportunity to try and drag a woman down for her appearance.”
The incident demonstrated how quickly the online mob mentality can spiral and how women in football spaces, whether as partners, fans, or influencers, face relentless scrutiny over their appearance.
Is Lauren Fryer on Instagram now?
Lauren Fryer’s Instagram account (@laurenfryer_) remains active but completely stripped of content. While she still has over 98,000 followers and has kept her account public, there are no photos or posts visible as of 2026. This represents a significant shift from her previous activity, where she shared glimpses of her life with Rice, their travels, their dog Raffa, and festival appearances.
The decision to wipe her account rather than delete it entirely suggests Fryer wanted to maintain some form of digital presence while protecting herself from further abuse. Rice’s Instagram shows a similar pattern, no photos of Fryer appear on his feed, though he continues to post about football and his career.
What Is Lauren Fryer’s Job and Career?
Lauren Fryer’s current occupation is not publicly disclosed. Based on available information, she appears to function primarily as a stay-at-home mother to Jude, now approaching his third birthday. Given Rice’s substantial £250,000 per week salary at Arsenal (£13 million annually), there is no financial pressure for Fryer to work outside the home.
Unlike some WAGs who pursue careers in modeling, social media influencing, or business ventures, Fryer has chosen privacy over public-facing work. Her decision to delete her social media content in 2024 further suggests she has no interest in leveraging her relationship with Rice for commercial gain or celebrity status.
Where Do Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer Live?
Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer reside in Kingston-Upon-Thames, London, a location that holds personal significance as both grew up in the area. Despite Rice’s moves between West Ham United and Arsenal, and speculation about potential transfers to clubs in northern England, the couple has chosen to remain in London, close to their roots.
Their residence in Kingston-Upon-Thames allows them proximity to both West Ham (Rice’s former club) and Arsenal’s training facilities, while maintaining a sense of familiarity and connection to their childhood. The neighborhood is known for being relatively quiet and family-friendly, fitting the couple’s preference for privacy.
Recent Public Appearances: The Jarrod Bowen Wedding
In a rare public appearance in late May 2025, Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice attended the wedding of Rice’s former West Ham teammate Jarrod Bowen to reality television star Dani Dyer. The intimate ceremony in Berkshire marked one of the few times Fryer has been photographed at a public event since the 2023 trolling incident.
Fryer and Dyer have become close friends, bonding over their shared experience of supporting professional footballers and facing public scrutiny. Dyer had previously defended Fryer during the worst of the online abuse, stating: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there. I think it’s harder when you are not in [the public eye] and you are personally attacked. I found that hard. She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.”
The wedding appearance, with Rice and fellow England international Ezri Konsa among the guests, demonstrated that Fryer hasn’t completely withdrawn from supporting Rice at important moments, though she remains extremely selective about public visibility.
What Is Lauren Fryer’s Net Worth in 2026?
Lauren Fryer does not have a publicly disclosed independent income or net worth. Her financial status is closely tied to her partner, Declan Rice, whose estimated net worth stands at approximately £26 million as of 2026.
Rice’s Arsenal contract pays him roughly £250,000 per week (approximately £13 million annually), a significant increase from his £60,000 weekly salary at West Ham United. This places the couple in an exceptionally comfortable financial position, allowing Fryer to focus on family life without professional obligations.
Without evidence of independent business ventures, sponsorships, or employment income, it’s inappropriate to assign Fryer a separate net worth figure. However, as Rice’s long-term partner and mother of his child, she would likely be entitled to significant financial support should their relationship end.
Lauren Fryer’s Relationship Timeline With Declan Rice
Understanding the progression of their relationship helps contextualize Fryer’s journey from private teenager to reluctant public figure:
| Year | Milestone |
| 2016 | Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice begin dating at age 17 while in school |
| 2017 | Rice makes his professional debut for West Ham United; Fryer supports from the stands |
| 2020 | The couple adds a cockapoo named Raffa to their family (Christmas gift from Rice) |
| 2021 | Rare public appearance together at Reading Festival; photographed with Liam Gallagher |
| August 2022 | Son Jude Rice is born; Rice reveals the news via tattoo |
| November 2022 | Fryer accompanies Rice and baby Jude to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup |
| February 2023 | Couple celebrates seven-year anniversary |
| July 2023 | Rice completes £105 million transfer to Arsenal; Fryer relocates with him |
| December 2023 | Severe online trolling begins after anonymous accounts mock Fryer’s appearance |
| April 2024 | Fryer deletes all content from Instagram; Rice removes photos of Fryer in solidarity |
| May 2025 | Rare public appearance at Jarrod Bowen and Dani Dyer’s wedding |
| 2026 | Couple remains together in Kingston-Upon-Thames; Fryer maintains privacy |
The Broader Issue: Online Abuse and WAGs
Lauren Fryer’s experience highlights a pervasive problem within football culture. Partners of male footballers, particularly those who don’t fit narrow beauty standards, face relentless scrutiny and abuse. The harassment isn’t limited to anonymous trolls; respected football commentators and publications have historically participated in rating and ranking WAGs by appearance.
Fryer’s situation became emblematic of this toxic culture. When rice defended his girlfriend, calling her “the love of his life,” the response from supporters was positive, but it shouldn’t have required a public defense in the first place. The fact that Fryer felt compelled to erase her digital presence to find peace speaks volumes about the intensity of the harassment.
Dani Dyer’s support was particularly significant given her own experience in the public eye as the daughter of actor Danny Dyer and a reality television personality. Her statement that Fryer “doesn’t put herself out there” reinforced an important point: the abuse wasn’t a consequence of seeking attention, Fryer was targeted simply for existing in proximity to fame.
Lessons From Lauren Fryer’s Story
Digital Boundaries Are Essential
Fryer’s decision to delete her Instagram content, while controversial to some who believe it means “the trolls won”, was ultimately a choice to prioritize her mental health and family stability. Setting boundaries with social media, even drastic ones, can be an act of self-preservation rather than defeat.
The Pressure on Private Partners
Not everyone who dates a celebrity seeks fame themselves. Fryer’s story illustrates the impossible position many partners of high-profile individuals face: remain completely invisible (which is unrealistic) or accept relentless public scrutiny. Neither option is fair.
Male Footballers Must Do More
While Rice’s defense of Fryer was admirable, systemic change requires more than individual responses. Football clubs, player associations, and male footballers themselves need to actively combat the culture that enables this abuse, through education campaigns, strict moderation policies, and public stands against appearance-based harassment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lauren Fryer married to Declan Rice?
No, Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice are not married as of 2026. They have been in a relationship since 2016 (eight years) and share a son, but there has been no public announcement of an engagement or wedding.
Why did Lauren Fryer delete her Instagram photos?
Lauren Fryer deleted all photos from her Instagram account in April 2024 after enduring months of brutal online trolling about her appearance. The harassment began in December 2023 when anonymous accounts criticized her looks and suggested Rice “could do better.”
How old is Lauren Fryer’s son with Declan Rice?
Jude Rice was born on August 7, 2022, making him 3 years old as of 2026. His zodiac sign is Leo, and Rice honored his birth with a tattoo featuring his name and birthdate.
What was Lauren Fryer’s job before having a baby?
Lauren Fryer’s occupation before becoming a mother has not been publicly disclosed. She appears to have chosen to focus on motherhood and supporting Rice’s career rather than pursuing independent professional opportunities.
Has Lauren Fryer spoken publicly about the online abuse?
No, Lauren Fryer has not given interviews or made public statements about the online harassment she experienced. Her response has been to remove herself from the public digital space by deleting her Instagram content.
Who is Felicity Hayward and why was she confused with Lauren Fryer?
Felicity Hayward is a plus-size model and influencer with nearly 300,000 followers. After attending an Arsenal event and photographing with Declan Rice, trolls mistakenly believed she was Lauren Fryer and subjected her to similar appearance-based abuse, demonstrating that the harassment was never truly about Fryer specifically, but about misogyny and body shaming.
Do Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have any pets?
Yes, the couple has a cockapoo named Raffa, whom Rice gifted to Fryer for Christmas in 2020. Raffa previously had his own Instagram account (@raffatherice), though it hasn’t been updated since 2022.
Where did Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice grow up?
Both grew up in the Greater London area. Lauren is from Chessington, and Declan is from Kingston-Upon-Thames. They’ve chosen to remain in Kingston-Upon-Thames as adults, maintaining connection to their roots.
Has Lauren Fryer attended any England matches since the trolling?
While Fryer attended the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Euro 2024 matches, her attendance at England fixtures since the height of the tournament (late 2023-2024) has not been widely documented. She has maintained an extremely low profile.
What did Declan Rice say in defense of Lauren Fryer?
Rice publicly called Fryer “the love of his life” and stated firmly that he didn’t “need an upgrade” in response to trolls suggesting he could find a “better” partner. He also removed photos of Fryer from his own social media in solidarity with her decision to delete her content.
Moving Forward: Privacy as Power
As of 2026, Lauren Fryer remains committed to maintaining her privacy while supporting Declan Rice’s career from behind the scenes. Her rare public appearances, such as attending Jarrod Bowen’s wedding in May 2025, demonstrate she hasn’t completely withdrawn from Rice’s professional circle, but she has established firm boundaries around her digital presence and public visibility.
Fryer’s story serves as both a cautionary tale about the dark side of fame and an example of resilience in the face of relentless harassment. By refusing to engage with her abusers and prioritizing her mental health and family stability, she’s reclaimed control over her narrative, even if that narrative is now mostly invisible to the public eye.
For those who continue to follow Rice’s career, respecting Fryer’s choice to remain private isn’t just good manners, it’s essential. She didn’t choose public life; she chose to love someone whose profession made him famous. That distinction matters.
