Football Unites In Leeds To Honor Terry Yorath

The football world gathered in Leeds today to bid a heartfelt farewell to Terry Yorath, the revered Wales and Leeds United legend whose influence spanned decades both on and off the pitch. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Moortown, Leeds, was filled with family, friends, former teammates, and football luminaries, all united in honoring the life and legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on British sport. Yorath, who passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 75 following a short illness, was remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his kindness, resilience, and devotion to family.

As the hearse arrived at the church at midday, the Welsh flag was proudly displayed in the back window, and flower arrangements reading 'Dad' and 'Granddad' sat atop the coffin, which also bore the white, yellow, and blue colors of Leeds United. The atmosphere was solemn yet celebratory, reflecting the profound impact Yorath had on so many lives. Gabby Logan, Yorath’s daughter and acclaimed BBC sports presenter, led her family—husband Kenny, son Reuben, and daughter Lois—into the church, supported by the arms of loved ones and the presence of a sporting community that revered her father.

Among the notable attendees were former Wales manager Chris Coleman, Liverpool icon Ian Rush, Leeds United teammates like Eddie Gray and Joe Jordan, Welsh commentator Bryn Law, and former Bradford City players Stuart McCall and Don Goodman. The gathering was a testament to Yorath’s far-reaching influence, with colleagues from his playing days and managerial career coming together to pay their respects.

The service began with a stirring rendition of the Welsh national anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau," performed by the Cardiff-based male voice choir Côr Meibion Taf. This moving tribute set the tone for a ceremony rich in music, memory, and emotion. According to the program, Lois Logan, Yorath’s granddaughter, sang "Jerusalem" at his request, her voice echoing through the church and touching the hearts of all present.

Elis James, comedian and broadcaster, delivered the first eulogy, painting a vivid portrait of Yorath’s life and the deep grief he carried following the tragic loss of his son Daniel at the age of 15. "He was ravaged by grief," James read, acknowledging the pain that shaped the latter years of Yorath’s life, but also his enduring strength. Gabby Logan’s children, Reuben and Lois, contributed to the service as well—Reuben reading a poem and Lois lending her voice to the hymns, a testament to the close-knit nature of the Yorath family.

Jordan Yorath, Terry’s son, offered a second eulogy, sharing personal memories and reflecting on the lessons learned from a father whose legacy extended well beyond football. The service closed with the choir’s poignant performance of "Danny Boy," a tribute to Daniel, followed by "You’ll Never Walk Alone" as the congregation departed—a fitting send-off for a man who inspired so many.

Yorath’s journey began in Cardiff in 1950, and from an early age, he displayed the qualities that would define his career: intelligence, consistency, and unwavering professionalism. Joining Leeds United in 1967, he made 199 appearances and was an integral part of Don Revie’s legendary side that clinched the First Division title in 1974. Yorath’s time at Leeds was marked by silverware and near-misses, including runners-up medals in the FA Cup, European Cup, and Cup Winners Cup.

His international career was equally distinguished. Yorath captained Wales in 59 internationals, earning a reputation as a leader and a fierce competitor. He went on to manage the Wales national team in the early 1990s, coming agonizingly close to World Cup qualification in 1993—a campaign remembered for its heartbreak, as Romania edged Wales 2-1 in the final qualifier. Yorath’s managerial journey also took him to Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur, where he made 70 appearances as a player, as well as stints with Vancouver Whitecaps, Bradford City, and Swansea City.

As a manager, Yorath was known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to inspire underdogs. He was present as player-coach at Bradford during the tragic Valley Parade fire in 1985, a catastrophe that claimed 56 lives and left a lasting scar on the football community. He later steered Swansea City to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1988 and took over as coach of the Lebanon national team in 1995, helping them rise an astonishing 60 places in the FIFA World Rankings before departing in 1997. Yorath also managed Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, further cementing his reputation as a leader and mentor.

Family was at the heart of Yorath’s life. He is survived by his children—Gabby, Louise, and Jordan—and grandchildren Reuben, Lois, Mila, Phoenix, and Paloma. Gabby Logan’s tributes to her father have been particularly moving, describing him as "a warrior on the football pitch, captaining club and country, a kind-hearted and generous man off it." In a message shared after his passing, Gabby wrote, "Our Dad a warrior on the football pitch, captaining club and country, a kind-hearted and generous man off it, would have hated all the attention. (Well most of it). The stories that have been shared by strangers with us today have been enormously comforting. He touched so many people’s lives."

She went on to express gratitude for the care provided by hospital staff and reflected on the lessons her father imparted: "Thank you for giving me a life long love of sport. Thank you for being a relentless tease with a wicked sense of humour. And to the wonderful staff on J16 at Jimmys who cared for him with such tenderness, you are all Angels. I love you Dad." Gabby also acknowledged the profound impact of the Bradford Fire and the loss of Daniel, tragedies that shaped the second half of Yorath’s life.

After the service, a private burial was held, followed by a wake at Leeds United’s Elland Road—an appropriate venue for a man whose name is synonymous with the club’s greatest era. The football world will remember Terry Yorath not only for his achievements on the field but for his resilience, generosity, and the legacy he leaves in the hearts of all who knew him.

As the sun set over Leeds, the city paid its final respects to one of its true sporting icons. The music, the memories, and the stories shared today ensured that Terry Yorath’s legacy will live on, both in the annals of football history and in the lives of those he inspired.