Leeds United | History, Kit, Rivals, Sponsors, Trophies & Stadium Info

Across all English football divisions, clubs are renowned for their rich history, whether they have been a dominating force or not in recent days. Leeds United is one of them. Leeds United FC have been in turmoil in recent days, as they face a relegation and promotion battle every season. Leeds United's history goes a long way as they have been competing in the English football division for 105 years, having been established in 1919. Leeds United FC will compete in the 2025-26 season in the Premier League, after being relegated in the 2023-24 season, and in the 2024-25 season, they were crowned as the champions of the EFL, achieving first place among 24 clubs. Under their current manager, Daniel Farke, they have shown utter dominance in the EFL for the first time in Leeds United history. Daniel Farke's possession-based strategy, with a slight blend of the gegenpressing technique, suited perfectly to their old-school 4-2-3-1 formation, which made them an unstoppable force in the EFL.

Leeds United History – Founding, Growth & Milestones

Leeds United is a professional football club that is famous for its men's football team, based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The Club started its journey as Leeds City, but in 1919, it changed its name to Leeds United, and it was the first and last time in Leeds United history that they changed their club's name. Leeds United FC started its journey with a bunch of amateur footballers from Yorkshire. Leeds United was one of the teams which was not included in the Premier League after its introduction in 1920. However, Leeds United FC achieved promotion in the very next season.

In the 1964-65 season, Leeds United reached the FA Cup final, where they fell short against Liverpool, and in that season, they also gave a tough fight to Leeds United rivals, Manchester United. Leeds United finished in second place, and Manchester United were crowned as the champions.

Straight back in the current time, Leeds United were in turmoil, as they were facing a promotion and relegation battle regularly, and on top of that, they were in the mud of debt under their chairman, Peter Ridsdale. The first indication that the club was in financial trouble was the sale of Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United for approximately £30 million. On 21 January 2005, Ken Bates bought the club. Under Blackwell, Leeds United reached the Championship play-off final, which they lost to Watford.

In the 2008-2009 season, Simon Grayson was appointed as Leeds United's boss. Under Grayson, Leeds United made the play-offs once again, but were beaten over the two legs of the semi-finals by Millwall. In 2009–10, Leeds secured their best start ever to a season, and caused a major upset in the third round of the FA Cup by beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. On 21 November 2012, Middle East-based private equity group GFH Capital finalized a deal for a protracted takeover of Leeds, buying a 100% stake of the club. It was also announced that Ken Bates would remain as chairman until the end of the 2012–13 season and then become club president. The takeover was officially completed on 21 December 2012. On 17 July 2020, after sixteen years out of the English top tier, Leeds United were promoted back to the Premier League.

Leeds United Sponsors

Let's take a look at the Leeds United sponsors:

Leeds United Rivals

Leeds United rivals are Manchester United and Chelsea. The rivalry between Leeds United and Chelsea FC started in the 1970 FA Cup season final, which is counted as the most physical match in English football.

Leeds United Derby

Before the formation of Leeds United, Bradford City had a rivalry with Leeds City until its dissolution in 1919. Both clubs met 6 times in the Football League Second Division, where Bradford City won 4 times and 2 matches ended in a draw.

Leeds United Kit

In Leeds United's first 15 years, the club kit was modelled on Huddersfield Town's blue and white striped shirts, white shorts, and dark blue socks. In 1934, Leeds United kit switched to blue and yellow halved shirts incorporating the city crest, white shorts, and blue socks with yellow tops. In the 2025-26 season, Leeds United Kit remains the same.

Leeds United Trophies

Leeds United trophies cabinet are not well decorated as compared to its rich history. Leeds United trophies tally features 14 major titles. This includes 3 English league titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 League Cup, 2 Charity/Community Shields, and 2 Inter-Cities Fairs Cups. They have also won 4 Second Division titles and 2 EFL Championship titles.

Leeds United Forum

Leeds United forum goes by the name- Mot Forum. The Leeds United Forum refers to online discussion platforms where fans of Leeds United Football Club can share opinions, news, and engage in conversations related to the club.

Leeds United Stadium

Leeds United stadium is Elland Road. It is the 14th-largest football arena in England. The ground has hosted FA Cup semi-final matches as a neutral venue, and England international fixtures, and was selected as one of eight Euro 96 venues. Elland Road was used as home ground by rugby league clubs Holbeck and Hunslet and has hosted numerous rugby league cup finals and semi-finals, internationals, and other important matches.

Leeds United Training Ground

Leeds United training ground is called Thorp Arch, located in the village of Thorp Arch near Wetherby, West Yorkshire.