Leeds United is a professional football club based in Leeds, England. Founded in 1919, the club has a rich history which includes winning two First Division titles, an FA Cup and reaching the European Cup final twice. They currently play in the Premier League – the top flight of English football.
Club name
Leeds United was formed in 1919 when two local teams, Leeds City and Holbeck FC decided to merge together. They chose to name the new club Leeds ‘United’ to represent the unionisation of the two sides.
Leeds United badge
Their badge features a blue, yellow and white shield, with a white rose at the centre, symbolizing the club’s connection to the county of Yorkshire.
The badge underwent a full revamp in 2018 but was heavily criticised by fans, leading to the club making a full U-turn and reverting back to the initial design.
Kit history
Leeds United’s football kit has undergone several changes over the years. When the club was formed, the team wore blue and white striped jerseys along with blue shorts and blue socks.
However, in 1934, the club switched to an all-white kit, which became their traditional home kit and is still apparent to this very day.
In the early 2000s, the club experimented with different designs, including an all-black kit and a white kit with blue and yellow stripes.
However, the traditional all-white kit has remained the preferred home kit, with variations of blue, yellow, and black used for the away and third kits.
League history
Leeds United’s league history is ultimately marked by periods of great success and financial difficulty.
The club has spent most of its history in the top-flight division, winning two First Division titles, an FA Cup and reaching the final of the European Cup twice.
In the early 2000s, the club suffered financial difficulties and was relegated to the second and third tiers of English football.
However, the club’s long-awaited return to the Premier League occurred in 2020 as they became Championship title winners, marking a new era of hope and excitement for fans of the club.
Leeds United trophies
Leeds have enjoyed some fantastic success in regard to silverware throughout their history, winning two First Division titles in 1969 and 1974, an FA Cup in 1972, and a League Cup in 1968.
They have also been runners-up in the European Cup twice, in 1975 and 1978, and in the European Cup Winners’ Cup once in 1973.
In recent times however, the only bit of silverware they’ve managed to obtain was the Championship title in 2020 – where they ended a 28-year-long trophy drought.
Players and managers
Leeds has been blessed with some of the finest players and managers in English football history.
The club’s most successful era was undeniably under the management of Don Revie, who led the team to two First Division titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup, and reached the final of the European Cup twice.
Revie’s team was famous for their hard work, discipline and skill, and included top players such as Billy Bremner, Jack Charlton, and Norman Hunter.
Another legendary Leeds manager was Howard Wilkinson, who led the team to the First Division title in 1992. Under Wilkinson’s leadership, Leeds also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2001.
Some of the best players to have played for Leeds include Tony Yeboah, who scored some spectacular goals for the club, and the dynamic midfield duo of Gary Speed and David Batty.
Marcelo Bielsa is also a highly respected prior manager known for his tactical knowledge and his commitment to attacking football. Under Bielsa’s guidance, Leeds United secured promotion to the Premier League in 2020, where they’ve remained ever since.