She’s not a footballer, not a Love Island contestant, and certainly not chasing fame — but Lauren Fryer, Declan Rice’s childhood sweetheart, has found herself in the eye of a very modern storm: online trolling.
Keen to know more about Lauren Fryer? We have all the inside scoop on her, from her early romance with the Arsenal star to the hurtful online abuse she’s endured — and why her story matters more than ever.
Who Is Lauren Fryer? Meet Arsenal Star Declan Rice’s Low-Key Love
Before she became the reluctant subject of cruel online attention, Lauren Fryer was just a girl from Chessington, known to friends as down-to-earth, stylish without trying, and someone who never sought the limelight. Born and raised in Surrey, Fryer is not an influencer, nor has she dipped her toes into reality TV. Yet her identity has become headline fodder simply because of her long-term relationship with Arsenal star Declan Rice.
Fryer and Declan have kept their relationship mostly private — a rarity in today’s era of WAGs and personal brand-building. While other football partners may court the spotlight, Fryer has shied away from it.
And still, that didn’t stop the trolls.
Did Declan and Lauren Fryer Meet During Their School Days?
Rice and Fryer met during their school days — literally. Both teenagers in Chessington, their romance bloomed in classrooms, lunch breaks, and adolescent texting. They met at school and started dating before Rice was a Premier League sensation or household name.
Their love story is something straight out of a Netflix coming-of-age special: the shy football-mad boy and the kind, grounded girl who supported him every step of the way. By the time Declan Rice became West Ham United’s rising star, Fryer was already a fixture in his life — not a groupie, but his childhood sweetheart. A fact Rice has always proudly shared.
Inside the Life of a Footballer’s Girlfriend — What’s It Really Like?
Being a footballer’s girlfriend might sound like a dream: VIP boxes, designer gifts, front-row seats at the Champions League, right? The reality, for someone like Fryer, is far more complex.
Living with a West Ham United footballer means constantly being in the limelight. Whether it’s Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal, rumours linking him to Real Madrid, or his performance in England’s national team, Fryer often feels the pressure in silence. She’s the unseen rock — showing up for Rice’s biggest games, parenting their son Jude, and keeping a low profile. She’s not splashed across tabloids like a typical celebrity world partner, and that’s exactly how she likes it. Until now.
When Online Trolling Turns Vicious: The Cruel Comments That Changed Everything
In December 2023, things took a dark turn. Trolls began targeting Fryer with cruel comments, with some going so far as to say Declan could “do better” — a vile attack on someone who had never sought public validation.
By April 2024, Fryer had removed all images from her Instagram account, overwhelmed by the horrible online behaviour. The abuse wasn’t just petty jealousy — it was vile online trolling, aimed at her appearance, her relationship, and even her parenting. The tragedy? Fryer never asked to be famous. She was simply living her life, loving her partner, and minding her own business.
Declan Rice isn’t known for airing personal matters in public — but when it came to defending Fryer, he broke that rule.
In a heartfelt moment during a press conference, Rice shut down the haters:
“She’s real, funny, beautiful, kind — I don’t need an upgrade. There is no upgrade.”
Those words went viral — not for the drama, but for the sincerity. Rice’s choice of partner, he emphasized, was based on loyalty and love, not likes or filters. The public saw a rare glimpse of a footballer standing up for his woman — and it was powerful.
Dani Dyer Has Revealed: How She Relates to Fryer After Cruel Online Trolling
Dani Dyer, partner to fellow West Ham United player Jarrod Bowen since 2021, knows exactly what it’s like to be personally attacked online. As a Love Island star, she’s seen the dark side of fame firsthand and has experienced online trolling in the past. And like Fryer, she’s been through dyer after cruel online trolling herself.
In a recent interview, Dani Dyer said she felt “deep empathy” for Lauren Fryer.
“It’s horrible what people say behind screens. I’ve had a good cry about it too.”
Their shared experience has formed a quiet sisterhood — a reminder that fame or not, women in the orbit of celebrity men are often unfairly scrutinized.
What Happened to Fryer’s Instagram Account? The Online Abuse Fallout
For years, Lauren Fryer quietly posted snaps of life with Declan, their dog Raffa, and eventually their baby Jude. But in 2024, after months of online abuse, she deleted nearly everything.
Now, only one picture remains — a subtle yet powerful statement. Fryer’s digital silence speaks volumes about how personally attacked she felt, and how little protection there is for women facing this type of abuse. She has since stayed offline, focusing on her son and rebuilding her peace. And truthfully? Who can blame her?
Real Madrid Rumours, Champions League Pressure — How It Affects Her
When Declan Rice joined Arsenal in 2023, whispers quickly began about a potential move to Real Madrid, especially after his stellar showing in the Champions League.
For Fryer, this means a potential relocation, more cameras, more headlines — and more trolls. As Arsenal star Declan continues his ascent, she knows the media machine won’t be slowing down. Mikel Arteta’s trust in Rice has made him central to Arsenal’s midfield and their place in the Champions League — but for Fryer, the spotlight is the cost of his success.
The Couple’s Son Jude and the Future of the Rice-Fryer Family
In August 2022, Fryer and Declan welcomed a baby boy: Jude. His arrival was kept quiet at first — no magazine spreads, no paparazzi. Now, Jude is growing up surrounded by love, a doting mum, and a dad who’s become one of England’s most recognizable footballers. Lauren Fryer is often described by friends as a “really good mum”, completely devoted to her son.
And despite all the noise online, she remains focused on what matters most: her family.
What Can We Learn from This? Trolling, Privacy, and Celebrity in 2024
The story of Declan Rice’s girlfriend Lauren Fryer isn’t just tabloid gossip — it’s a cautionary tale. One about how far online trolling can go, how real the damage is, and how important it is to recognise the humanity behind the headlines.
Online abuse, especially toward women, is often minimised — but Fryer’s experience reminds us that even the quietest voices can be deafened by digital cruelty.
In a world where celebrity culture and trolling collide daily, Fryer chose the hardest but bravest option: stepping back, staying private, and protecting her peace.
Key Takeaways
- Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice are high school sweethearts who’ve been together since their teens.
- She was personally attacked by trolls who left cruel comments about her looks and her relationship.
- In 2024, she removed all images from Instagram, keeping only one picture.
- Declan Rice publicly defended her, calling her “real, funny, beautiful, kind.”
- Dani Dyer, partner of Jarrod Bowen, came out in support of Fryer after facing online trolling herself.
- Despite speculation linking Declan to Real Madrid, Fryer remains committed to keeping her family private.
- Their son Jude, born in 2022, is now Fryer’s main focus.
- Her story is a reminder of how online abuse can devastate even those who never chose the public eye.
