Football legend Terry Yorath was laid to rest on January 26 in a ceremony filled with poignant tributes. The former Wales and Leeds United midfielder, who passed away at the age of 75 on January 7, was remembered by close family, friends, and colleagues at a service held at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds.
Family Leads Heartfelt Tributes
The funeral service was a deeply emotional occasion, with several touching moments shared by those closest to the football icon. Gabby Logan, BBC sports host and daughter of the late Yorath, along with other family members, paid tribute to his life and legacy. His son-in-law, Kenny, and grandson, Reuben, were among the pallbearers who carried the coffin into the church.
However, it was the performance by Yorath’s granddaughter, Lois, that brought the most tears to the congregation. Fulfilling her grandfather’s final request, Lois performed a moving rendition of the hymn ‘Jerusalem’ that left mourners in tears. This tribute followed prayers led by his grandchildren Paloma and Phoenix, with Reuben reading a heartfelt poem in his memory.
Following the musical tribute, comedian Elis James opened the eulogy, setting a reflective tone for the ceremony. Yorath’s son, Jordan, closed the service by describing his father as “funny, kind, humble, and proud,” and noting his strength in the face of personal loss. The family reflected on the heartache Yorath endured after the tragic death of his son, Daniel, in 1992, from a heart condition that had gone undiagnosed.
Jordan recounted how, despite the grief, his father returned to football management just days after Daniel’s funeral. “Football was his lifeblood,” he shared, highlighting the strength and resilience his father displayed throughout his life. As the service ended, the Welsh male voice choir, Côr Meibion Taf, performed ‘Danny Boy,’ paying further homage to the Yorath family’s deep roots in Wales.
The ceremony concluded with ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ playing as the coffin was carried out of the church. Family members, including Kenny Logan and Reuben, helped move the coffin to the hearse. A final emotional moment came when Kenny gave the coffin a gentle tap as he walked away, wiping away tears.
Among those in attendance were former Wales internationals Chris Coleman and Ian Rush, as well as TV commentator Bryn Law and former Bradford City players Chris Kamara, Stuart McCall, and Don Goodman, all of whom paid their respects to a man who had become a beloved figure in Welsh football.
Yorath’s death earlier this month followed a brief illness, leaving a void in the football world. His family, in a statement, described him as “a quiet, kind and gentle man,” while acknowledging the deep sense of loss they feel. “Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel,” they wrote.
Yorath, who made history as the first Welshman to play in a European Cup final in 1975, leaves behind a lasting legacy in both football and his community. His contributions to the sport and his family’s resilience through their personal trials will continue to inspire many.
