Leeds United supporters have enjoyed several legendary figures on the pitch at Elland Road throughout generations.
Whether they have been long-time servants, prolific goalscorers or those who have earned trophies in the glorious white, they are always welcomed back or remembered fondly by the fans.
Considering Leeds‘ rich history, all manner of players have the doors in LS11. While the eras they are from and achievements may differ, they are celebrated by the Elland Road faithful all the same, although some are recalled more memorably than others.
Billy Bremner
- Appearances: 772
- Goals: 115
- Years at Leeds United: 1959 – 1976
- Trophies: First Division (1968-69, 1973-74), Second Division (1963-64), FA Cup (1971-72), League Cup (1967-68)
Widely considered as the greatest ever to wear the Leeds United shirt, Bremner established himself as an iconic figure during the club’s most successful years under Don Revie.
Arsenal and Chelsea passed up on signing the midfield dynamo for being too short at 5’5”, but he proved them wrong at Elland Road, capturing the Whites’ faithful’s affection with his relentless energy and combative style over a 17-year spell.
The Scot was one of the main reasons the media labelled them ‘Dirty Leeds’ at the time, but his contributions earned him the captain’s armband in 1966, something he kept until his departure 10 years later.
Peter Lorimer
- Appearances: 707
- Goals: 238
- Years at Leeds United: 1962 – 1979, 1983 – 1985
- Trophies: First Division (1968-69, 1973-74), FA Cup (1971-72), League Cup (1967-68)
With 238 goals to his name, Lorimer remains one of the most prolific goalscorers in Leeds’ history. He also still holds the record of being the youngest player to make his debut for the West Yorkshire outfit, having made his senior bow at the age of 15.
During his two stints, the Scot gained popularity for his thunderous long-range strikes and ambidexterity, with his goal against Burnley in 1970 remaining etched in the minds of long-term fans.
The striker is Leeds’ all-time record scorer, having netted 81 more goals than John Charles in second place.
Eddie Gray
- Appearances: 579
- Goals: 69
- Years at Leeds United: 1966 – 1983
- Years at Leeds as manager: 1982 – 1985, 2003 – 2004
- Trophies: First Division (1968-69, 1973-74), FA Cup (1971-72), League Cup (1967-68)
With stints both as a player and a manager, Gray is one of the most iconic figures in the Leeds United history.
Although a linchpin in the ‘Dirty Leeds’ setup, the winger gained reputation for his deft turns that left defenders in his wake.
“When he plays on snow, he doesn’t leave any footprints”, Revie once said to describe the legendary attacker.
Gray remains involved at Leeds as an ambassador, while his legacy at Elland Road continues through his great nephew Harry Gray.
Jack Charlton
- Appearances: 773
- Goals: 96
- Years at Leeds United: 1953 – 1973
- Trophies: First Division (1968-69), Second Division (1963-64), FA Cup (1971-72), League Cup (1967-68)
Having spent his entire career at Leeds United, Charlton holds the record for the most number of appearances for the club, beating Bremner by the tiniest of margins.
Known as an imposing no-nonsense centre-back, he formed a strong partnership with fellow icon Norman Hunter, together earning the moniker, ‘the Iron Curtain’.
John Charles
- Appearances: 327
- Goals: 157
- Years at Leeds United: 1949 – 1957, 1962
- Trophies: N/A
Unlike many other Leeds United legends, Charles’ time at Elland Road was not filled with triumphs. However, the Welshman is remembered fondly by the Whites faithful for his goalscoring prowess, with only Lorimer scoring more goals than him.
His lanky frame meant that he started as a centre-back before being moving further up the field, where he wreaked havoc to opposition defenders.
Charles’ popularity crossed borders, as Juventus stumped up a then British record sum of £65,000 to acquire his services in 1957, only for him to return to Leeds five years later.