Macclesfield footballer Ethan McLeod has died in a car accident on a motorway, the club have said.
The 21-year-old forward was travelling back from a National League North match away at Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in an incident on the M1.
McLeod signed for Macclesfield FC in July this year after a successful trial.
He had previously spent a decade in the Wolverhampton Wanderers academy before leaving the West Midlands club in September last year.
During the 2024/25 season, he had spells at Rushall and Stourbridge.
He made his debut for Macclesfield in their league game against Chorley in September and had scored two goals in four appearances.
‘Incredibly talented’ player
Paying tribute, the club described him as an “incredibly talented” member of the first team squad, with an “infectious personality”.
The club said in a statement: “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 death has “devastated our entire club”, the statement also said, adding that his “unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten”.
“May you rest in peace Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.”
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Minute’s silence planned
Wolves paid tribute to McLeod in a post on X and announced they will hold a minute’s silence at Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Ethan McLeod at the age of 21,” said Wolves.
“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.”
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‘History-maker’
Rushall said in their own statement: “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.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association posted on X: “This is such tragic news. The thoughts of everyone at the PFA are with Ethan’s family, friends, team-mates and loved ones. Rest In Peace, Ethan.”
