Wolves 'heartbroken' after death of former player Ethan McLeod as tributes pour in

Wolves have paid tribute online following the death of former academy star, Ethan McLeod.

Macclesfield Town announced the tragic news on Wednesday that the 21-year-old - who played in the Wolves youth system for a decade before making the move to the Silkmen this year - was driving home from a match at Bedford Town when he was involved in the fatal crash.

The club wrote: "With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod. Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.

"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.

"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 forevermore 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. May you rest in peace Ethan - you will forever be a Silkman."

In response to the news, Wolves also paid a poignant tribute to the star. They wrote: "We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Ethan McLeod at the age of 21. Ethan joined @WolvesAcademy at seven-years-old and went on to sign professional terms at the club, before leaving in September 2024.

"We are sending our thoughts and love to Ethan’s family, friends and everyone at Macclesfield. Ethan’s younger brother Conor is currently in our under-21 squad and the whole club will be providing care and support to him and his family. We will observe a minute’s silence at Saturday’s first-team fixture against Brentford, to remember and honour Ethan."

While at Wolves, McLeod enjoyed loan spells with Alvechurch and Rushall Olympic, before joining Macclesfield earlier this year. Since his arrival in July, McLeod had made three appearances and scored once.

And the world of football united on Wednesday in the wake of the tragic news of his passing. In response to Macclesfield's statement, a number of clubs from all steps of the English pyramid gave their condolences, including Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic.

Rushall Olympic, meanwhile, wrote of their former player: "We are absolutely devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Ethan McLeod in the past 24 hours. 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. We will be remembering Ethan at our home game against Leek Town on Saturday. Our thoughts are with all of Ethan’s friends and family and Macclesfield FC at this tragic time. RIP Ethan."

A number of players also took to Instagram to share their messages in tribute to McLeod after his passing. Wacker Burghausen's Harry Birtwhistle, who was a part of the Wolves youth system with McLeod wrote: "The best person I ever met in football," while ex-Chelsea and West Ham striker shared a teary-eyed emoji.

Dane Scarlett, Kaide Gordon, Lino Sousa, Cody Johnson and Nico O'Reilly were also among the players who wrote their messages of condolence. A number of coaches from Baller League were also quick to share messages, including Tobjizzle and Sharky, after McLeod joined the six-a-side competition with VZN FC earlier this year.