Ex-Wolves player Ethan McLeod dies in a car crash aged 21

Former Wolves player Ethan McLeod died in a car crash on Tuesday at the age of 21.

McLeod was with Macclesfield FC, playing in the National League North, and was in an accident on the M11 motorway on the way home from a match.

McLeod joined Wolves’ academy at the age of seven and grew into the system to sign a professional contract with the club in January 2023.

He also represented England at youth level during this time.

He moved to Rushall Olympic and Stourbridge in 2024 before eventually moving to Macclesfield.

In seven games this season he scored three goals and was on the bench on Tuesday. He lost his life while returning home from a match against Bedford Town.

«We are absolutely devastated as a club and academy by the news of Ethan’s passing. He was in our academy program for a long time and his brother Conor is now on our books, so we are incredibly sad for Conor and his family,» academy director Jon Hunter-Barrett said in a statement.

«We respect his family’s privacy at this time, but we will support them in every way we can in the future. We will be there for them and Conor because they are a big part of our club.»

«No one will say a bad word about Ethan. He had a warm heart and was incredibly caring and thoughtful. He was a talented young man, who got along well socially with everyone in the academy, staff and players, because he had such a loving nature.»

“Ethan was a talented footballer. Towards the end of his time here he suffered injuries but as a young player he developed early and went on to represent England at youth level and played in the age groups for Wolves.

“Our thoughts go out to Conor, Ethan’s family and friends and everyone at Macclesfield FC as they will also be devastated by the tragic news.”

A minute’s silence will be held ahead of Wolves’ Premier League match with Brentford at Molineux this weekend.

Published on December 17, 2025