10 Unbelievable Facts About Leeds United

Full Name: Leeds United Football Club

Nickname(s): The Whites, The Peacocks

Founded: 17 October 1919; 105 years ago

Ground: Elland Road

Capacity: 37,645

Manager: Daniel Farke

Leeds United is a club soaked with passion and a proud footballing heritage. The West Yorkshire club boasts an abundance of dramatic moments and legendary achievements, with its fans displaying fierce loyalty and an unbreakable spirit.

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Even during the darkest times, whether fighting relegation battles or enduring ownership chaos, Leeds’ identity has always been vibrant, loud, and unmistakably Yorkshire.

Below Are 10 Unbelievable Facts About Leeds United

1. Leeds United Was Formed In 1919 After The Disbanding Of Leeds City

In 1919, Leeds United was born out of necessity when Leeds City was disbanded due to financial irregularities. The void left by the club’s sudden end was quickly filled by Leeds United, who stepped in to represent West Yorkshire’s football passion.

Founded on October 17, 1919, this new team carried the city’s hopes forward, aiming to rebuild and restore pride in the beautiful game. From these early, turbulent beginnings, Leeds United quickly established themselves as a club to watch.

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2. Yorkshire Amateurs Bought And Sold Elland Road To Leeds United For £250

Elland Road, the legendary home of Leeds United, came into the club’s hands in a rather modest fashion. Initially owned by Yorkshire Amateurs, the stadium was bought and then sold to Leeds United for the surprisingly low sum of £250 in 1919.

This purchase secured a permanent base for the club, one that would witness decades of thrilling highs and heartbreaking lows. Elland Road remains a fortress steeped in history and Yorkshire pride.

3. Dick Ray Was Leeds United’s First-Ever Manager In 1919

Dick Ray, a seasoned football man, had the honour of becoming Leeds United’s first manager when the club was formed in 1919. Tasked with building a new team from scratch, Ray’s leadership laid the groundwork for the club’s future ambitions.

His tenure marked the beginning of Leeds’ journey through English football, as they fought to carve out their place in the competitive leagues of the early 20th century.

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4. Leeds United First Experienced Relegation In 1926–27

The 1926–27 season was a bitter pill for Leeds United as they faced their first relegation, dropping from the Second Division to the Third Division North.

It was a harsh reality check for a club still finding its feet, signalling the tough challenges ahead. But Leeds showed resilience, using setbacks like this to fuel future comebacks. This early stumble was the start of the rollercoaster ride that defines Leeds’ history.

5. Leeds Sold John Charles To Juventus For A World-Record Fee, And He Became A British Great Abroad

John Charles, known as the ‘Gentle Giant,’ left Leeds in 1957 when the club sold him to Juventus for a then-world-record fee of around £65,000.

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This transfer shocked fans but also showcased Leeds’ ability to develop talent capable of starring on the international stage. Charles thrived in Italy, becoming a British legend abroad and reminding the football world just how special Leeds’ players could be.

6. The Club Won Their First League Title In 1968–69

The 1968–69 season was a landmark year for Leeds United as they clinched their first-ever League Championship. Under Don Revie’s guidance, the team played dynamic, fearless football that captured the hearts of fans.

This title was more than just a trophy; it was a declaration that Leeds had arrived among English football’s elite, sparking an era of sustained success and pride.

7. The Club Relegated To Third Tier For The First Time In History In 2007

In 2007, Leeds United hit a new low, suffering relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time ever. This fall followed years of financial turmoil and instability that left the club struggling on and off the pitch.

For a team once challenging for titles, dropping to League One was a harsh blow, but true to their fighting spirit, Leeds fans and players vowed to fight back.

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8. The Club’s Most Successful Manager Is Don Revie

Don Revie is Leeds United’s most celebrated manager, ruling the club from 1961 to 1974 and masterminding their golden era.

Under his leadership, Leeds won two League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, transforming the team into a powerhouse. Revie’s tactical brilliance and relentless drive forged a team full of grit, skill, and Yorkshire pride, forever cementing his legacy.

9. Leeds United's Main Rivals are Manchester United

Leeds United’s fiercest rivalry is with Manchester United, a clash steeped in history, passion, and intense Yorkshire-Lancashire pride that dates back over a century.

Matches between these two giants aren’t just games, they’re battles filled with raw emotion, fierce competition, and deep-rooted pride that fans live and breathe every time they meet on the pitch. This rivalry fuels the club’s identity and brings out some of the most electric moments in English football.

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10. Leeds’ First Kits Were Blue And White Striped Shirts, White Shorts And Dark Blue Socks

In their earliest days, Leeds United’s kit featured blue and white striped shirts, white shorts, and dark blue socks, a design borrowed from Huddersfield Town due to their chairman’s connection.

This classic look reflected the club’s initial ties and aspirations. Over the years, Leeds’ kit evolved, but those blue and white stripes remain a nostalgic reminder of where it all began.