Wales and Burnley legend Leighton James dies aged 71 after a footballing career spanning more than 600 games… as tributes pour in for the ‘brilliant player’ and ‘massive personality “.
Wales and Burnley legend Leighton James has died aged 71.
James, a winger, made over 600 Football League appearances and represented his country 54 times.
After retiring, he served football for almost two decades as a manager, taking charge of nine clubs in England and Wales.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of international Leighton James,” the Welsh FA wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Among his most famous moments with the dragon on his shirt was a penalty in a famous victory over England at Wembley in 1977. He was a star of the only Cymru team to top a group qualification before reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 1976.
Wales and Burnley legend Leighton James has died aged 71.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
“Welsh football has lost a huge personality. A brilliant player, an entertaining pundit and a true legend. RIP Leighton James,” wrote football culture magazine Alternative Wales on X.
More soon.
