Football has sadly lost a Leeds United and Wales national team legend as Terry Yorath has died at the age of 75.
The Welsh international with 59 caps, who played for Leeds, Spurs, Coventry, Swansea City and more, is said to have passed away following a short illness.
Born in Cardiff, the ex-pro turned manager – not to mention the famous father of fellow athlete turned sports presenter, Gabby Logan – retired from playing in 1986 but remained a familiar face in the footballing world.
Confirmed on Thursday morning, 8 January, his former clubs and supporters from all over are now paying their respects.
With nearly two centuries’ worth of games for the Yorkshiremen, the team he had the most appearances for, the club were quick to honour him on social media, stating they have been left ‘devastated’ by the news.
“Playing for the Whites during one of the most successful eras for the club”, the tribute reads, “Yorath made 198 appearances in the famous shirt, having progressed through the academy and into the first team.
“He was then a regular at Elland Road following his retirement from professional football in 1986, becoming a friendly face and recalling a number of incredible stories on matchdays, over a number of years…
“Yorath brilliantly helped Leeds reach the 1973 European Cup Winners’ Cup final and played in the showpiece event at Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Greece, where the Whites were controversially defeated 1-0 against AC Milan.
“In the following 1973/74 season, Yorath featured 28 times for Don Revie’s side, scoring two goals as the Whites were crowned First Division champions for the second time in our history. In that memorable campaign, a new Football League record was set by going 29 games undefeated from the start of the campaign.”
He also played a key role in helping the club reach a European Cup final for the first time the following year, and scored a dozen goals for LUFC from deep in the middle of the park.
Logan, 52, sadly had to leave the Match of the Day programme mid-broadcast on Wednesday evening, with her trusted replacement Mark Chapman being praised for handling the situation gracefully.
Praying with all my will that Gabby Logan was able to see her dad Terry Yorath one last time (this is why Mark Chapman took over, coming directly from Radio 5 Live in the middle of Match Of The Day) pic.twitter.com/aN7ZE183pG
— Joe Gibney (@joegibney15) January 8, 2026
The Welsh FA have added that they have been left “deeply saddened” by the loss; meanwhile, Gabby Logan and the rest of Yorath’s family are yet to issue a public comment during this difficult time, with the public being reminded to give them space and privacy.
As for The Peacocks, their statement ends: “Everyone at Leeds United will remember Terry fondly on and off the pitch, and we are devastated by his passing.
“He will always be a club legend, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his friends and family. ‘Marching on Together’, always.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family, former teammates, as well as all those whose lives he touched both in and out of football. Rest in peace.
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Featured Images — National Archives/Wikimedia Commons
