Former Wales captain and Leeds United figure Terry Yorath has passed away, leaving his wife Christine, children, and the football community in mourning.
Terry Yorath was a giant of the Welsh and British football game whose impact was across generations, clubs, and the entire international game.
The past Wales captain and an esteemed manager, enjoyed a fine career representing such teams as Leeds United, Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps, Bradford City, and Swansea City, and also represented his country with pride at the highest level.
Born on March 27, 1950, in Cardiff, Wales, Yorath passed away on January 7, 2026, in Leeds at the age of 75.
In addition to being a successful player on the field, he was a person who was much respected due to his humility, strong character, and unending dedication to football.
He abandons his wife, Christine, and his children, broadcaster Gabby Logan, Jordan and Louise. He was predeceased by his son, Daniel, whose loss profoundly shaped his life.
Terry Yorath Wife Christine And Family Unite for Emotional Tribute
Family and close friends gathered in Leeds on Monday, January 26, 2026, to bid an emotional farewell to Terry Yorath, with his wife, Christine, and their family at the heart of the service.
The former Wales captain and respected manager died earlier this month at the age of 75 following a short illness.
His funeral was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds, where around 100 mourners came together in remembrance.
The service began with hymns by Welsh choir Cor Meibion Taf.
The cortege had entered the church, and as Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau went on, the congregation was struck with the force of his Welshness, a reminder of his life-long pride in being Welsh.
The first hymn, Cwm Rhondda, was very solemn and thoughtful.
Floral tributes adorned the coffin, including arrangements in the blue, yellow, and white colours of Leeds United, alongside a floral Welsh flag symbolising the two teams closest to his heart.
His grandchildren, Paloma and Phoenix, led prayers, while Gabby Logan’s son, Reuben Logan, read a poem that visibly moved the congregation.
One of the most poignant moments followed when Yorath’s granddaughter, Lois Logan, sang Jerusalem at her grandfather’s request, leaving many in tears.
The service later concluded with Danny Boy, a tribute to Terry’s late son Daniel, before the choir led mourners out with You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Later, his son Jordan offered a deeply personal tribute that shed light on the man behind the public figure and the private strength that defined him.
“He was a funny, kind, humble and proud man. He persevered through pain. Football was his lifeblood. As a family, we’ve been so grateful for the truly heart-warming stories shared by supporters in recent weeks. Every message has reinforced just how much kindness and generosity he showed to others.”
Jordan Yorath
Throughout the farewell, Yorath’s family remained central.
His son-in-law and grandson carried the coffin into the church, a quiet but powerful symbol of the family bonds he cherished.
After the service, the family proceeded to a private burial, followed by a wake at Elland Road, the home of Leeds United.
Football World Unites to Honour Terry Yorath With Emotional Tributes
Outside his family, the rest of the football fraternity came together to pay tribute to a man whose contribution made Welsh football what it is over the decades.
Old friends, managers, and players of different generations were present, all sharing the same respect towards the character and the achievements of Yorath.
Comedian and presenter Elis James delivered a deeply moving eulogy, reflecting on Terry Yorath’s enduring influence on Welsh football and the personal strength he showed in the face of tragedy.
“This was a man who defined an era of Welsh football. 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. Even after the devastating loss of his son Daniel, which ravaged him with grief, wherever he went, he left people feeling better. He had time for everyone.”
Elis James
Among the footballing greats in attendance was former Wales striker Ian Rush, who credited Terry Yorath with playing a pivotal role in shaping his international career.
“He gave me all the confidence. As a manager, he always put players before himself, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Ian Rush
Footballer-turned-pundit Chris Kamara described the funeral as a “beautiful service,” praising Yorath’s remarkable career and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Loved by countless. Beautiful send off for Terry today ❤️ RIP Taff pic.twitter.com/CUC5U9lPk5
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) January 26, 2026
As mourners departed the church, the message was clear, while the Welsh football great life journey had come to an end, his legacy as a leader, mentor, and devoted servant of the game will continue to live on in Welsh football and beyond.
Rest In Peace Legend.
