A strong Leeds United contingent will head off on international duty after the Premier League clash against Tottenham, following in the footsteps of some of the giants in the club’s history.
10 Leeds players were named in their national team squads, including promising youngster Charlie Crew, who earned his first start for his country.
Several of the current Leeds squad are key players for their national side, with Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James all regulars for Wales, Gabriel Gudmundsson set to join up with the Sweden squad and Jaka Bijol one of the mainstays of the Slovenia side.
However, none of these players have earned more caps than one Leeds United legend, who was a mainstay of the club’s last golden age at the end of the 1990s and early 2000s.
The fact that he joined Leeds for a bargain fee of £250,000 makes his signing one of the best pieces of transfer business in the club’s history.
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The most capped international player in Leeds United history
Lucas Radebe would go on to become a legendary figure at Leeds United, making 201 appearances for the club between 1994 and 2005.
However, little was known about the man known as the Chief when he joined Leeds from the Kaizer Chiefs in 1994, alongside South Africa teammate Phil Masinga.
Although reports at the time suggested that Radebe was only signed to keep Masinga happy, he went on to become one of the club’s all-time greats. Having initially struggled under Howard Wilkinson, Radebe was made captain of the club by George Graham and shone under his successor, David O’Leary.
When Radebe was linked with a move to Roma, O’Leary baulked at the prospect, telling Sky Sports: “Lucas Radebe should be set in stone and never allowed to leave Elland Road, so Roma will surely be wasting their time if they are serious about making an offer.”
Having joined as a defensive midfielder, Radebe became a cultured centre half, known for his impeccable timing in the tackle and ability to pop up with a crucial goal, such as his famous late winner against Spartak Moscow in Leeds’ run to the UEFA Cup semi-final.
He earned 69 of his 70 South Africa caps during his time with Leeds, making him the Leeds player who earned the most international caps whilst playing for the club, and was made an official Leeds ambassador during the game against Bournemouth.
Lucas Radebe reflects on Champions League run
Radebe was a regular presence in the Leeds side that made its famous run to the semi-finals of the Champions League 25 years ago, before serious knee and ankle injuries threatened his career.
However, he returned to the field, earning a testimonial which was attended by a sold-out Elland Road before retiring in 2006.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after being made a club ambassador, Radebe reflected fondly on Leeds’ European run, stating: “For me as a footballer, I get goosebumps all the time.
“When I look back on those years. I mean, sometimes I pinch myself, you know, to have been at that stage and played and contributed to a club like that, you know, which for me was absolutely amazing.
“And that will always stay with me because what we do, we create memories, and we want to create the best memories and be the best players that we can be. Not only that, but the outcomes will be even better if we can be better people to society and be a great example.
“Because now all these young ones are looking up to us to be the best they can be. But, you know, we have to as well, you know, show them the way and hopefully inspire them in the right way.
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