Greatest 20 Leeds United Players of All Time Ranked
Leeds United’s rich history boasts an array of footballing legends whose contributions have shaped the club’s legacy. Ranking the top 20 players is a challenge, but their impact, longevity, and silverware haul guide this list. Below is a countdown of the greatest Leeds United players, celebrating their brilliance at Elland Road.
20. Lucas Radebe (1994–2005)
“The Chief” played 262 games, captaining Leeds through their late 1990s resurgence. His leadership and defensive solidity shone in the 2000-01 Champions League campaign.
“The Chief” played 262 games, captaining Leeds through their late 1990s resurgence. His leadership and defensive solidity shone in the 2000-01 Champions League campaign.
19. David Batty (1987–1993, 1998–2004)
Batty’s tenacity in midfield saw 349 appearances and a key role in the 1992 First Division title. His combative style was a fan favorite.
Batty’s tenacity in midfield saw 349 appearances and a key role in the 1992 First Division title. His combative style was a fan favorite.
18. Gary McAllister (1990–1996)
McAllister’s 294 games and 45 goals, including vital strikes, helped secure the 1992 title. His vision and passing were exceptional.
McAllister’s 294 games and 45 goals, including vital strikes, helped secure the 1992 title. His vision and passing were exceptional.
17. Mick Jones (1967–1975)
Jones scored 111 goals in 312 games, forming a lethal partnership with Allan Clarke. He won a league title and FA Cup.
Jones scored 111 goals in 312 games, forming a lethal partnership with Allan Clarke. He won a league title and FA Cup.
16. Gary Kelly (1991–2007)
Kelly’s 531 appearances as a right-back showcased loyalty. His reliability spanned Leeds’ Premier League and European campaigns.
Kelly’s 531 appearances as a right-back showcased loyalty. His reliability spanned Leeds’ Premier League and European campaigns.
15. Terry Cooper (1962–1975)
Cooper, a dynamic left-back, played 351 games, scoring 11 goals. His attacking flair helped win two league titles and an FA Cup.
Cooper, a dynamic left-back, played 351 games, scoring 11 goals. His attacking flair helped win two league titles and an FA Cup.
14. Joe Jordan (1970–1978)
“Jaws” scored 65 goals in 242 games, starring in the 1975 European Cup run. His physicality was key in Revie’s era.
“Jaws” scored 65 goals in 242 games, starring in the 1975 European Cup run. His physicality was key in Revie’s era.
13. Trevor Cherry (1972–1982)
Cherry’s 486 appearances and versatility at left-back or centre-back earned him two league titles and a club captaincy.
Cherry’s 486 appearances and versatility at left-back or centre-back earned him two league titles and a club captaincy.
12. Lee Bowyer (1996–2003)
Bowyer’s 265 games and 55 goals, plus his dynamism, drove Leeds’ European exploits, including the 2000-01 Champions League semi-final.
Bowyer’s 265 games and 55 goals, plus his dynamism, drove Leeds’ European exploits, including the 2000-01 Champions League semi-final.
11. Nigel Martyn (1996–2003)
Martyn, Leeds’ finest goalkeeper, made 273 appearances, starring in the Champions League. His 1997 Player of the Year award reflects his class.
Martyn, Leeds’ finest goalkeeper, made 273 appearances, starring in the Champions League. His 1997 Player of the Year award reflects his class.
10. Gordon Strachan (1988–1996)
Strachan’s 311 games and 57 goals were pivotal in the 1992 title. His leadership earned him Football Writers’ Player of the Year.
Strachan’s 311 games and 57 goals were pivotal in the 1992 title. His leadership earned him Football Writers’ Player of the Year.
9. Paul Reaney (1962–1978)
Reaney’s 750 appearances as a full-back, shutting down wingers like George Best, helped secure two league titles and two Fairs Cups.
Reaney’s 750 appearances as a full-back, shutting down wingers like George Best, helped secure two league titles and two Fairs Cups.
8. Eddie Gray (1965–1984)
Gray’s 577 games and 68 goals showcased his flair. He won two league titles and an FA Cup, dazzling as a winger.
Gray’s 577 games and 68 goals showcased his flair. He won two league titles and an FA Cup, dazzling as a winger.
7. Johnny Giles (1963–1975)
Giles’ 525 appearances and 114 goals, with pinpoint passing, drove two league titles and European success alongside Bremner.
Giles’ 525 appearances and 114 goals, with pinpoint passing, drove two league titles and European success alongside Bremner.
6. Norman Hunter (1961–1976)
“Bites Yer Legs” Hunter played 724 times, his tough tackling key to two league titles and an FA Cup.
“Bites Yer Legs” Hunter played 724 times, his tough tackling key to two league titles and an FA Cup.
5. Allan Clarke (1969–1978)
“Sniffer” Clarke’s 151 goals in 364 games, including FA Cup and league title wins, made him a prolific striker.
“Sniffer” Clarke’s 151 goals in 364 games, including FA Cup and league title wins, made him a prolific striker.
4. Peter Lorimer (1962–1979, 1983–1985)
Leeds’ top scorer with 238 goals in 703 games, Lorimer won two league titles and an FA Cup.
Leeds’ top scorer with 238 goals in 703 games, Lorimer won two league titles and an FA Cup.
3. Jack Charlton (1952–1973)
Charlton’s 772 appearances and 95 goals as a centre-back, plus two league titles, mark him as a giant.
Charlton’s 772 appearances and 95 goals as a centre-back, plus two league titles, mark him as a giant.
2. Billy Bremner (1959–1976)
“King Billy” played 771 games, scored 115 goals, and led Leeds to two league titles and an FA Cup. His statue is iconic.
“King Billy” played 771 games, scored 115 goals, and led Leeds to two league titles and an FA Cup. His statue is iconic.
1. Don Revie (1958–1963)
Revie, a player-manager, revolutionized Leeds. His 176 games and 18 goals laid the foundation for the club’s golden era.
Revie, a player-manager, revolutionized Leeds. His 176 games and 18 goals laid the foundation for the club’s golden era.
These 20 players, from Revie’s pioneers to modern heroes, define Leeds United’s enduring spirit and success.
