Ethan Ampadu took centre stage atop one of Leeds United’s three open-top buses on Monday, proving why he’s more than just a defensive linchpin. With a microphone in hand, the 23-year-old skipper turned a routine victory lap into a full-blown show, leading chants and delighting over 150,000 fans crammed into the city centre.
From orchestrating renditions of club anthems to jokingly leaking transfer gossip about teammates, Ampadu’s charisma was on full display. His cheeky tease that Junior Firpo might be off to Betis and the impromptu plea for “two more years” of Sam Byram kept supporters roaring with laughter. It’s moments like these that prove footballers can be genuine crowd-pleasers off the pitch, too.
In my view, Ampadu’s vibrant performance during the parade highlights a new breed of captain—one who commands respect not just with tackles and tackles and interceptions, but with personality and passion. If Leeds’ return to the Premier League hinges on that same magnetic leadership, the Whites have every reason to be optimistic about next season.
Academy Awards Night Underlines Leeds United’s Family Spirit
Less than 24 hours after the jubilant bus tour, Ampadu swapped the streets for the Academy Player of the Year awards on Tuesday night. Standing alongside goalkeeping legend Alex Cairns, he presented teenage midfielder Alfie Cresswell—brother of first-team stalwart Charlie—with the U21 Player of the Season trophy.
Former Leeds defender Ben Parker, who hosted the ceremony, couldn’t help but praise Ampadu’s unwavering commitment. “24 hours after leading the biggest parade in our history, our captain is back here celebrating the future of the club,” Parker remarked. That sense of unity is exactly what separates Leeds United from many of its rivals.
It’s rare to see first-team stars so deeply involved in youth events, and in my opinion, this approach will pay dividends. By fostering genuine bonds between senior stars and tomorrow’s talent, Leeds are building more than just a squad—they’re nurturing a footballing family poised for long-term success.
Leeds United’s Celebration Hits New Heights with Vegas Reward
The festivities aren’t over yet. After securing promotion—and with player salaries set to rise by up to 60%—the squad will soon jet off to Las Vegas for a well-earned break. The trip, reportedly organized by the San Francisco 49ers, is the ultimate reward for a season of grit and determination.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Leeds are gearing up for a crucial summer transfer window. New sporting director Adam Underwood, thrust into one of the club’s most pivotal roles, will oversee reinforcements aimed at consolidating top-flight status. It’s a baptism of fire for the 37-year-old, but one that could define his career—and Leeds’ fortunes—for years to come.
Personally, I’m intrigued to see how Underwood navigates this challenge. Balancing budget constraints with the demands of Premier League survival is no small feat. If he can replicate the club’s unity off the pitch with smart, shrewd signings, Leeds fans will have even more reasons to celebrate next season.
