Former Leeds United and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath has died at the age of 75 following a short illness, his family confirmed on Thursday.
Yorath enjoyed a distinguished nine-year spell at Leeds United, where he made 199 appearances and was part of the side that won the English league title in 1974. Renowned for his composure and intelligence in midfield, he became a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
At international level, Yorath earned 59 caps for Wales, captaining his country on 42 occasions, and later went on to manage the national team, further cementing his influence on Welsh football both on and off the pitch.
In a statement released by the family, Yorath’s children paid tribute to him not only as a footballer but as a father. “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel,” the statement read.
Daniel Yorath died in 1992 at the age of 15 after collapsing from a genetic heart condition while playing in the garden. Terry Yorath is also survived by his other children, Louise, Jordan and Gabby, the latter now a BBC sports presenter.
Yorath made history in 1975 by becoming the first Welsh player to appear in a European Cup final, as Leeds were beaten 2-0 by Bayern Munich.
Beyond Elland Road, his playing career included spells at Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur and the Vancouver Whitecaps. He later moved into management and coaching, with one of the most poignant moments of his career coming at Bradford City, where he was manager on the day of the Valley Parade fire in 1985, a tragedy that claimed 56 lives and left 270 people injured.
Yorath’s passing marks the loss of a respected figure in British football, remembered for his achievements, leadership and dignity both during and after his playing career.
