Leeds United nicknames – Why are Leeds known as The Whites and The Peacocks?
Leeds United are one of England’s biggest and most historic football clubs.
Despite being founded in 1919, which is relatively recent compared to some of the other top clubs in England, Leeds’ rich history, worldwide fanbase, and, of course, Elland Road are all factors in adding to the club’s mystique.
With Daniel Farke guiding Leeds back to the Premier League, more eyes will naturally be on the West Yorkshire outfit, and the more uneducated casual supporter may question why Leeds United have nicknames such as the Whites and the Peacocks.
Well, here at MOT Leeds News, we run through how Leeds picked up these nicknames over the years and why they’ve stuck.
Don Revie was responsible for ‘the Whites’ nickname
Revie, Howard Wilkinson and Marcelo Bielsa are just a few of Leeds’ greatest ever managers, with all three having huge impacts on the club as a whole.
Revie shook things up the most, however, as he introduced Leeds’ now famous all white home kit back in during his reign in the 1960’s claiming he wanted the club to emulate the success of Real Madrid.
- After Leeds City had disbanded, Leeds United took their place, with their original kit being a blue and white striped shirt
- The kit then switched to blue and yellow, with those two colours now being more associated with United’s away kits
- Revie’s footprint will be forever left in the club’s DNA, with Leeds donning an all white home shirt since the 60s.
It’s fair to say it had an impact, as Revie won two league titles, amongst other European and domestic honours, during his legendary 13-year spell as manager of the Whites.
Leeds became one of the best teams in world football, donning the white shirt that has now become forever synonymous with the club.
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Why are Leeds called the Peacocks?
Whilst most will take one look at United’s home shirt and understand why Leeds are called the Whites, the Peacocks is a nickname that is definitely more rogue.
The nickname originates from the Old Peacock Ground, and the pub located closest to Elland Road, named ‘The Old Peacock’, which is a stone’s throw away from Leeds’ home.
Between 1980 and 1984, a blue and yellow peacock would feature as the club’s official badge, with the nickname having well and truly caught on by that point.
Although nowadays, supporters are rarely heard referring to Leeds as the Peacocks, subtle telltale signs emerge now and then to show the nickname has not totally gone out of fashion.
As recently as the 2023/24 season, the white home kit featured a peacock design outfit, whilst Leeds’ away kit also paid homage to the Peacocks’ nickname.
A unique nickname for England’s most unique club is something that is truly fitting for Leeds United.
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