Football World Honors Terry Yorath In Leeds Farewell

The football world came together in Leeds on Monday, January 26, 2026, to bid farewell to one of its most beloved figures, Terry Yorath. The former Wales captain, Leeds United stalwart, and respected manager passed away earlier this month at the age of 75 following a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives both on and off the pitch. The outpouring of affection and respect at his funeral spoke volumes about the man whose life was defined by perseverance, humility, and an unwavering devotion to the beautiful game.

Family, friends, and footballing luminaries gathered at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds to celebrate Yorath’s life. Around 100 mourners attended the service, which blended solemnity with heartfelt tributes and music that echoed Yorath’s Welsh heritage. The ceremony included stirring hymns from the Welsh choir Côr Meibion Taf, beginning with the national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, as the cortege entered the church. The first hymn, Cwm Rhondda, set the tone for a service that would prove deeply moving for all in attendance.

Floral tributes adorned Yorath’s coffin, including arrangements in the blue, yellow, and white colors of Leeds United, as well as a floral Wales flag—a nod to the two teams closest to his heart. His grandchildren, Paloma and Phoenix Yorath, led prayers, while Gabby Logan’s son, Reuben, read a poem that brought many in the congregation to tears. Yet, perhaps the most poignant moment came when Lois Logan, Yorath’s granddaughter, delivered a spellbinding rendition of Jerusalem, honoring her grandfather’s request and leaving mourners visibly moved.

Yorath’s family played a central role throughout the service. His son-in-law, former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan, and grandson Reuben were among those who carried the coffin into the church. As the ceremony drew to a close, Kenny Logan paused for a final, emotional farewell, tapping the coffin before returning to comfort his family. The service concluded with the choir’s rendition of Danny Boy, a tribute to Yorath’s late son Daniel, and the congregation exited to the stirring notes of You’ll Never Walk Alone—an anthem of hope and unity that resonated deeply on this day of remembrance.

Comedian and presenter Elis James delivered a heartfelt eulogy, capturing the essence of Yorath’s character and the indelible mark he left on Welsh football. “His Wales team of the 80s and 90s is what made me fall in love with football,” James told the BBC outside the church. “He was part of every big moment in Welsh football between the 70s and the 90s, either as captain or manager. For me, he’s on the Mount Rushmore of Welsh football.” During his tribute, James reflected on the profound grief Yorath endured following the tragic loss of his son Daniel in 1992, describing him as “ravaged by grief” yet always able to lift the spirits of those around him. “Wherever he went he left people feeling better… he had time for everyone,” James said during the service. The hope, James added, was that after Yorath’s final breath, “what he heard was ‘Hello Dad’.”

Yorath’s son Jordan also spoke, offering a deeply personal perspective on his father’s resilience and kindness. “He was a funny, kind, humble and proud man,” Jordan said, adding that Yorath “persevered through pain” after Daniel’s sudden passing from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at age 15. “Just days after Daniel was buried, he was back in a tracksuit managing Wales, which he later regretted. But he didn’t know any other way to be. Football was his lifeblood.” Jordan also expressed the family’s gratitude for the “truly heart-warming stories” shared by well-wishers, stories that painted a picture of a man whose generosity and warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

The service was attended by an array of footballing greats and personalities from across the sporting world. Liverpool legend Ian Rush, who played under Yorath’s management for Wales, credited him with instilling confidence and belief. “He gave me all the confidence,” Rush told the BBC. “As a manager he always put players before himself and he was something special.” Rush fondly recalled the famous 1-0 victory over Germany in 1991, a match he described as unforgettable thanks to Yorath’s support. “It was with the help of Terry making me feel confident and that’s something I’ll never forget,” he said.

Other attendees included former Wales internationals Chris Coleman, Kevin Ratcliffe, and Mickey Thomas, as well as commentator Bryn Law and former Bradford City players Chris Kamara, Stuart McCall, and Don Goodman. Chris Kamara described the funeral as a “beautiful service,” praising Yorath’s remarkable career and the strength he showed in the face of personal tragedy. “Terry – what a marvellous career. He did everything and he suffered as well – the Bradford fire and his son Daniel. What a man,” Kamara remarked.

Yorath’s footballing achievements were celebrated as much as his personal character. Born in Cardiff, he became the first Welshman to play in a European Cup final in 1975 with Leeds United, having been part of their First Division-winning side in 1973-74. He captained Wales in 42 of his 59 international appearances and later managed the national team in the early 1990s. Elis James noted Yorath’s pride in representing his country and his instrumental role in replacing God Save The Queen with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as the anthem played before Wales matches. Yorath’s commitment to football extended beyond the pitch—he was present as player-coach of Bradford during the tragic Valley Parade fire in 1985, attending the funerals of all 56 victims and supporting the community through its darkest days.

Father Dennis Cassidy, delivering the sermon, paid tribute to Yorath’s generosity and humor, recalling how he encouraged his children to excel in all sorts of sports. “He lived life to the full in generosity,” Cassidy said, emphasizing the family’s appreciation for the many messages they received. “Those who are mourned are not forgotten.”

After the service, the family proceeded to a private burial, followed by a wake at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium. The day was marked by tears, laughter, and a shared sense of loss, but also by gratitude for a life that brought so much to so many. As mourners filed out of the church and into the cold Leeds air, one thing was clear: Terry Yorath’s spirit lives on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and the generations of footballers and fans he inspired. His legacy, both as a footballer and as a man, will not be forgotten.