Ethan Lucius McLeod (11 September 2004 – 16 December 2025) was an English professional footballer who played as a forward. He last played for Macclesfield in the National League North.
Career Wolverhampton Wanderers McLeod joined the Wolverhampton Wanderers academy in 2014 at the age of 7. He signed a professional contract with the club in 2023. He made appearances for the club in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy. He was also invited to England youth training camps during his time at Wolves.
On 1 January 2024, McLeod joined Southern League side Alvechurch on loan. He played 9 times in total for the club.
Having suffered injury problems towards the end of his Wolves career, he was released by the club in September 2024.
Rushall Olympic On 12 October 2024, McLeod signed for National League North side Rushall Olympic on a one-month contract. He left the club at the end of his contract.
Stourbridge On 9 November 2024, McLeod joined Southern League club Stourbridge, hoping for more regular game time. He made 14 appearances for the club in the 2024–25 season, scoring 4 goals.
Macclesfield On 14th July 2025, McLeod joined National League North side Macclesfield after impressing manager John Rooney as a trialist in their friendly against Mansfield Town.
Personal life McLeod's brother, Conor, plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers' development squad.
As well as his career in semi-professional football, McLeod also participated in the first season of Baller League UK, playing for YouTuber TBJZL's team VZN FC in Summer 2025 after leaving Stourbridge.
Death and legacy Car accident On 16 December 2025, McLeod was returning home from Macclesfield's game away at Bedford Town when he was involved in a collision on the M1 motorway, crashing into a roadside barrier near Junction 15. Northamptonshire Police later confirmed he died on the scene.
Reaction Macclesfield announced the news of his death the next morning. Former clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rushall Olympic and Stourbridge also shared messages of condolences.
On 20 December, a minute's silence was held before Wolves' Premier League match against Brentford in McLeod's memory.
Macclesfield's next match, a home league fixture against Alfreton Town, was postponed. On Boxing Day, they returned to playing, in a match against Buxton dedicated to McLeod.
Legacy On 24 December, Macclesfield announced they would be retiring the number 20 shirt, which McLeod wore during his time at the club.
On 15 June 2026, Macclesfield announced the creation of their new youth and development system, the Emerging Talent Group, set up in McLeod's memory.
FA Cup upset
On 10 January 2026, Macclesfield played in the FA Cup third round at home to Premier League opposition Crystal Palace. This was regarded as the biggest match in the club's history since its revival in 2021. The match was once again dedicated to McLeod, with his portrait hung in the dugout and a banner paying tribute hung in the stands.
Macclesfield won the match 2–1 in what is regarded as the biggest upset in FA Cup history. McLeod's parents celebrated the victory with the players after the game. They were eliminated in the next round in a 1–0 loss against Brentford.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsWolverhampton Wanderers U212023–24———2020Wolverhampton Wanderers2023–24Premier League000000—00Alvechurch (loan)2023–24Southern League Premier Division Central7000—2090Rushall Olympic2024–25National League North1010—0020Stourbridge2024–25Southern League Premier Division Central13400—10144Macclesfield2024–25National League North3111—3173Career total245210081347
References