The football world has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Leeds United and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath, who passed away at the age of 75 after a brief illness.
Yorath enjoyed a distinguished playing career, making 199 appearances for Leeds United, his first professional club, after joining in 1967. Over nine seasons, he scored 11 goals and was a key figure during one of the club’s most successful eras.
He later played for Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Bradford City, before making a solitary appearance for Swansea City, where he concluded his playing career.
At international level, Yorath earned 59 caps for Wales, establishing himself as one of the country’s most respected midfielders.
In a statement released by his family, Yorath’s children described him as a devoted father and a gentle soul.
“To many, he was a cherished football legend, but to us, he was Dad — a quiet, kind, and gentle man. Our hearts are shattered, but we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with our brother Daniel,” the statement read.
Yorath was the father of BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan, as well as Daniel, Louise, and Jordan. Daniel tragically died in 1992 at the age of 15 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition, after collapsing while playing football at home with his father.
During his time at Leeds, Yorath won the First Division title in 1974 and finished runner-up in the FA Cup, European Cup, and Cup Winners’ Cup.
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He later served as a player-coach at Bradford City and was part of the club’s coaching staff during the Valley Parade fire disaster in 1985, which claimed the lives of 56 supporters and injured more than 270 others.
Following his retirement from playing, Yorath moved into management, taking charge of clubs including Swansea City, Bradford City, Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday, Margate, and the Lebanon national team. He also managed the Wales national team, coming close to qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
In 1988, he guided Swansea City to promotion from the Fourth Division, further cementing his legacy as both a player and a manager.
Yorath is remembered as a respected football figure whose influence spanned generations, both on and off the pitch.
