Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Mon 18 May 2026 15:40, UK

Leeds United players have clearly taken pride in teammate Ilia Gruev landing an award for his work off the field.

Gruev has endured a frustrating end to Leeds’ successful 2025-26 campaign, having missed the past month through injury.

The Bulgaria international sustained a meniscus injury that ruled him out of the end-of-season run-in, including Leeds’ trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals.

While he has not been able to make an impact on the field, though, Gruev has clearly been doing so off it this past year.

And as the 26-year-old continues to recover from his injury layoff, he has shared news of an award he has landed.

Ilia Gruev rewarded for charity work

Gruev’s Leeds future remains unclear given previous links with a move away from Elland Road prior to his injury.

He played a total of 1,334 this season, which is not as many as he would have liked, though he is an important squad member for Daniel Farke.

And it is fair to say Gruev is a popular member of the Leeds dressing room given how quickly a number of his colleagues were quick to react to his Instagram post on Monday.

Gruev uploaded an image of himself at Elland Road with the PFA’s Community Champion Award.

He wrote: “When I joined Leeds United, I quickly realised this club is a family deeply rooted in a passionate community.

“Meeting so many amazing people across the city has been incredibly rewarding. As players, we are in a privileged position and it’s our responsibility to give back to those who support us through everything.

“This award might have my name on it, but it truly belongs to my people at Community Integrated Care, the volunteers and everyone working tirelessly to make Leeds a better place.

“Thank you to the PFA, the club and most importantly, the people of Leeds for always welcoming me with open arms. We keep marching on together.”

Alex Cairns summed it up nicely as he replied: “Man of the people.”

Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Willy Gnonto and countless other current and former Leeds players also liked Gruev’s post.

Gruev could be closer to Leeds exit amid transfer update

If Gruev was to move on from West Yorkshire this summer, he would do so with the best wishes of everyone.

He has been a real professional across his three seasons as a Leeds player, helping to take the Whites up from the Championship.

Amid reports that Leeds are looking to sign Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann, plans may just be in place for Gruev’s possible exit.

The brutal truth of Leeds’ Premier League survival is that those who helped get them there and keep them there may be replaced.

It is all about constantly evolving and strengthening, which makes Gruev’s future at Elland Road questionable.