Leroy De Leon: A Football Legend
A Football Legend Passes Away
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Legendary Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Leroy De Leon has left the country’s football fraternity mourning after passing away on Tuesday.
The 76-year-old midfielder considered one of T&T’s greatest footballers, would have celebrated his birthday on February 7.
Prime Minister’s Tribute
Prime Minister Keith Rowley said in a statement that De Leon had left the country with “enduring memories.”
“One of the best who ever graced a football field wearing the national colors. He excelled at the beautiful game and left us with some enduring memories.
“We hope that Mahaica and Pt Fortin will treasure his legacy and continue to produce more sons like Leroy. Today, the nation mourns with you. May he rest in peace,” the statement read.
Trinidad & Tobago Football Association’s Tribute
The Trinidad & Tobago Football Association (TTFA) also remembered De Leon as a trailblazer and inspiration to many.
“De Leon was not only a footballer of extraordinary skill and vision but also an ambassador for the sport, inspiring generations of players with his talent, determination, and love for the game.
“As one of the most gifted players of his era, he brought pride to our nation, representing T&T with grace and excellence on the international stage,” the TTFA said in a release.
“Beyond his contributions on the field, Leroy De Leon will be remembered for his role in elevating the football profile in T&T and the Caribbean. He was a trailblazer whose passion ignited dreams in young athletes and left an indelible mark on the sport’s development in the region.”
Early Life and Career
De Leon graduated from St Benedict’s College, where he played in the Colleges League, which is now the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL).
He was named the greatest SSFL player from the first 50 years of 2016.
De Leon was later inducted into T&T’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and named to the North American Soccer League’s First Team in 1970.
Professional Career
In 1967, he signed with the New York Generals of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). After the NPSL merged with the United Soccer Association to form the North American Soccer League (NASL), De Leon moved to the Washington Darts and then to the American Soccer League.
He finished his NASL career in 1979 with the Seattle Sounders.
In 1979, De Leon moved to the Detroit Lightning of the Major Indoor Soccer League, and he was eventually traded to the Phoenix Inferno, where he retired after three seasons.
De Leon, who made his national team debut at the age of 16, is reported to have 17 official caps for T&T at the senior level.
Conclusion
Leroy De Leon was a true legend of Trinidad and Tobago football, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
FAQs
Q: What is the reaction to Leroy De Leon’s passing?
A: The Trinidad & Tobago football fraternity is mourning his loss, with Prime Minister Keith Rowley and the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association paying tribute to his achievements.
Q: What was Leroy De Leon’s football career like?
A: De Leon played for the New York Generals, Washington Darts, American Soccer League, and Seattle Sounders, among others, and was inducted into T&T’s Sports Hall of Fame and named to the North American Soccer League’s First Team.
Q: How old was Leroy De Leon when he passed away?
A: 76 years old.
Q: How many official caps did Leroy De Leon play for T&T at the senior level?
A: 17.