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Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Lucas Radebe has been named the club’s first global ambassador.
Lucas Radebe.Picture: Gallo Images / City Press / Leon Sadiki
From legendary leadership to heartfelt fan tributes and a rock band inspired by his journey, Radebe’s remarkable connection to Leeds is deeper than football.
Lucas Radebe, affectionately known as The Chief, continues to etch his name into football history—this time off the pitch.
The former Leeds United and Bafana Bafana captain has been officially appointed as Leeds United’s first-ever global ambassador. This role recognises both his iconic contribution to the club and his community leadership.
“I think it’s a great honour. Being appointed as the first global ambassador for such a great club goes beyond who I am and what I gave to the club, and what the club stands for. Hopefully, I embody that,” Radebe shared at a CAF event in Sandton, Johannesburg.
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From 1994 to 2005, Radebe made 262 appearances for Leeds United F.C., 124 of which were as captain. He famously remained loyal to the club even after their relegation, rejecting offers from top-tier clubs in favour of sticking with the Yorkshire side.
His loyalty was more than repaid by the fans and the club.
His farewell match in 2005 drew an astonishing crowd of 37,886. The impact he made extended far beyond the pitch; a bus and a brewery in Leeds are named after him, as is “Radebeer,” a craft beer that celebrates his legacy.
Even the popular rock band, Kaiser Chiefs revealed that they named themselves after Radebe’s former club, Kaizer Chiefs F.C., in homage to their favourite Leeds player.
Some supporters have gotten tattoos in honour of Radebe.
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“When you get recognised for contributing towards the betterment of the community, it’s a real achievement,” Radebe reflected. “It came as a surprise because there are greater players than me who were born in Leeds. To be able to be part of the club is amazing.”
Coming from Soweto and being bought for a modest £250,000 from Kaizer Chiefs, Radebe turned out to be one of Leeds’ greatest investments.
His passion for the club helped Leeds finish third in the Premier League in the 1999–2000 season and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals the following year. In 2000, he was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award, followed by the PFA Merit Award in 2010.
The man known as “Rhoo” has continued to inspire off the field. Hundreds of Leeds fans have named their sons “Lucas” in his honour, and his son, Primo Baloyi, has become a viral comedic content creator and podcast host in South Africa, carrying on the family’s public influence in a whole new arena.
CEO Angus Kinnear confirmed the global ambassador appointment during an interview on Marawa Sports Worldwide, cementing Radebe’s role in leading Leeds’ global community outreach and branding efforts.
For Leeds United, Radebe isn’t just a former player; he’s family. And now, as a global ambassador, he carries that bond to the world.
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