Ethan had such a warm heart!

ETHAN McLEOD – 2004-2025

By Jon Couch

TRIBUTES: Macclesfield youngster Ethan McLeod

PICTURE: Macclesfield FC

Macclesfield have received an overwhelming outpouring of support following the tragic death of young player Ethan McLeod.

The 21-year-old was travelling back from his side’s National League North match at Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in an accident on the M1.

His white Mercedes collided with the nearside metal barrier close to junction 15 at around 10.40pm.

Northamptonshire Police said members of the public and officers tried to help but he died at the scene.

A product of the Wolverhampton academy, McLeod got his first taste of senior football during a loan spell with Alvechurch in 2024 and left Wolves for Rushall Olympic that same year.

After also having represented VZN FC in Season 1 of the Baller League, the highly-rated forward signed for Stourbridge last season before joining Macclesfield in July this year following a successful trial.

McLeod made his Macc debut against Chorley in September and scored three goals in seven appearances for the club.

He was an unused substitute at Bedford on Tuesday night, which John Rooney’s men won 2-1.

Yesterday’s game at Alfreton Town was postponed as a mark of respect.

Macclesfield announced the sad news on social media on Wednesday morning, while delivering an emotional tribute to their popular young player, describing him as an “incredibly talented” member of the first team squad, with an “infectious personality”.

It read: “Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our first-team squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.

“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.

“In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.

Condolences

“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days.

“News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.

“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal – but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future. Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forever-more and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it.

“Rest in peace Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.”

McLeod’s death sparked an outpouring of support from across English football as the Premier League elite joined clubs throughout the pyramid in offering their condolences.

Despite only spending a short time at Rushall, the Pics

“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Ethan McLeod in the past 24 hours,” a statement read.

“Ethan was a history-maker for us, scoring the winning penalty against Peterborough Sports to send us to the first round of the FA Cup last season.

“His name will be etched into the history books of our club forever.”

Another of his former clubs, Stourbridge, held a minute’s silence for the popular youngster ahead of Wednesday night’s game with Harborough Town.

The Southern League Premier Central club said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Glassboys forward Ethan McLeod last night.

“Our thoughts are with Ethan’s family, friends, everyone at Macclesfield and all those who knew him. Rest in peace, Ethan.”

Character

McLeod joined Wolves at the age of seven and spent ten years progressing through the youth ranks, signing a professional contract with the club in January 2023.

The Molineux club paid tribute to McLeod in a statement of their own before academy director Jon Hunter-Barrett confirmed the Premier League club will provide care and support to the family, in particular his younger brother Conor, who turned 19 on Monday and plays in Wolves’ under-21 squad.

It read: “We’re absolutely devastated as a club and academy with the news of Ethan’s passing. He was in our academy programme for a long time, and his brother Conor is on our books now, so we’re incredibly sad for Conor and his family.

“We’re respecting his family’s privacy at this moment in time, but we’ll support them in any way possible moving forward. We’ll be there for them and Conor, because they’re a massive part of our club.

“Nobody will have a bad word to say about Ethan. He had a warm heart and was incredibly caring and considerate.

“He was a talented young man, who got on well socially with everyone in the academy, staff and players, because he was such a loving character.”