Leeds United and Wales Great Terry Yorath Dies Aged 75 After Short Illness

Former Leeds United and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath has died at the age of 75 following a short illness, prompting tributes from across British football to a figure remembered for leadership, resilience and lasting influence on both club and country.

Yorath’s professional career began with Leeds United, where he spent nine years after joining in 1967. During that period he made 199 appearances for the club and scored 11 goals, establishing himself as a reliable and intelligent midfielder during one of the most competitive eras in English football. He was part of the Leeds side that won the First Division title in 1974, a defining achievement in the club’s history.

Alongside league success, Yorath experienced near misses on some of the biggest stages in European and domestic football. He earned runners up medals in the FA Cup, the European Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup, competing at the highest level against elite opposition. Those campaigns helped cement Leeds’ reputation as one of the strongest sides of the era and placed Yorath among the game’s most respected professionals.

On the international stage, Yorath was a towering presence for Wales national football team. He won 59 caps, captaining his country on 42 occasions, a testament to the trust placed in him by teammates and coaches alike. Known for his composure and authority, he became one of Wales’ most influential figures during a challenging period for the national side.

After retiring from international football, Yorath returned to serve Wales as manager. His tenure brought the team agonisingly close to qualifying for the 1994 World Cup finals. That campaign ended in heartbreak with a 2 1 defeat to Romania in the final qualifier, a result that denied Wales a place on the world stage but remains remembered for the belief and momentum Yorath helped build.

Beyond Leeds, Yorath enjoyed a varied club career that reflected his adaptability and experience. He had spells with Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur, before moving abroad to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps. He later returned to England with Bradford City and brought his playing career to a close with a single appearance for Swansea City.

Former teammates and supporters remember Yorath as a committed professional whose influence extended beyond statistics. He was respected for his tactical understanding, calm temperament and ability to lead under pressure. Those qualities carried into his coaching career and shaped his reputation as a thoughtful and principled figure within the game.

News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from clubs, former players and fans, particularly at Leeds United and within Welsh football. Many have highlighted his role in some of the most significant chapters of their histories and his enduring legacy as both a player and manager.

Terry Yorath’s contribution to football spanned generations, from domestic league triumphs to international leadership and near World Cup qualification. His passing marks the loss of a figure who embodied dedication to club and country, and whose impact will be remembered long after the final whistle.