Leeds United Mourns Passing of Pioneer Gerry Francis, Club Trailblazer and Former Star
Leeds United is in mourning following the passing of former winger Gerry Francis, a trailblazer and one of the club’s earliest Black players, who died at the age of 91. Francis, a South African-born footballer, broke racial barriers and made an indelible mark on English football during his time at Elland Road in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Joining Leeds in 1957, Francis made 52 appearances and scored nine goals during a four-year spell that saw him become the first Black South African to play in England’s top flight. At a time when racial discrimination was rife both in the UK and his homeland under apartheid, Francis stood out not only for his courage but for his talent and professionalism on the pitch.
He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his pace, agility, and flair on the wing. His performances under manager Jack Taylor helped lay the groundwork for the team’s later success under Don Revie. Though he eventually left Leeds in 1961, his contribution to the club and to football’s broader fight for inclusion—remained profound.
In a statement, Leeds United said:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry Francis, a true pioneer and one of the first Black players to don the Leeds United shirt. His courage and skill left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
Francis’s impact extended beyond Elland Road. Born in Cape Town in 1933, he played in a racially segregated South African league before moving to the UK a bold decision that paved the way for other African and Black players to pursue careers in Europe. Long before football embraced diversity in earnest, Gerry Francis was already living that reality, often in the face of overt prejudice.
Fans and former teammates have taken to social media to express their condolences, remembering him not only as a great footballer but as a man of immense dignity and character. His life is a testament to the power of sport to transcend barriers and bring people together.
Leeds United will honor Francis with a minute’s silence before their next match. A club legend in every sense, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those
who wear white.
