Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Thu 27 March 2025 11:32, UK

Leeds United have brought through some incredible youth prospects down the years, with many going on to represent the Whites and become adored by the Elland Road faithful.

The Under-21 and Under-18 sides at Thorp Arch have always been exciting to watch and regularly featured players who were already talented enough to have broken into the first-team fold.

In among Leeds’ squad overhaul last summer, one player who left Elland Road has now tragically been forced to retire from football with immediate effect.

Leeds United ex-player retires at 21

In devastating news from Thursday morning (27 March), former Leeds United midfielder Morten Spencer has announced his enforced retirement from football.

The 21-year-old Norwegian has been diagnosed with a cardiac issue which on medical advice has prevented him from being able to continue his career.

Spencer left Leeds after five years to join Derby County last summer, in a bid to eventually become a first-team regular at Pride Park.

The midfield man thanked all he became acquainted with throughout his academy upbringing, which began at Sunderland before joining Leeds in 2019, and his fledgling professional career at Elland Road.

Spencer posted on Instagram: “Heartbroken to be saying this. I will be retiring from professional football due to a cardiac problem I can’t carry on with.

“All I’ve ever known is to kick a ball and I have learnt everything from the game. I’m thankful and proud of what I have achieved. I will never forget the memories I have and have created along an amazing journey.
Football is in my DNA and I will continue to support everyone who helped me along the way.

“I want to thank everyone who has stuck with me during this tough period and everyone who has helped me during my career. Thank you.”

Morten Spencer given support by former teammates

A wealth of former teammates have flocked to support Spencer in the comments of his Instagram post, as he and his family process the news.

For those who have never known any different to working every minute towards becoming a professional football and maintaining a career, this is everything.

Spencer will in time look to bounce back and pursue a different avenue, but enforced retirement for any young player is a horrible ordeal to navigate.

Daniel Farke and the wider Leeds United coaching and academy staff will no doubt provide their support to Spencer, alongside those at Sunderland and recent club Derby.

Spencer, who had played for both England and Norway at international level, made six PL2 appearances for Derby this season – the most recent of which coming in late October last year.