Macclesfield FC is mourning the loss of Ethan McLeod, the 21-year-old forward who tragically died in a car accident on the M1 motorway late Tuesday evening while returning from a National League North fixture at Bedford Town.
The Birmingham-born striker, who had joined Macclesfield in July 2025, had been a substitute in the match. The accident occurred around 22:40 GMT near Northampton when McLeod’s white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
Club Pays Tribute
Macclesfield described McLeod as an “incredibly talented” player and a “well-respected member” of the squad. In an emotional statement, the club said:
“News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now. Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.”
The club highlighted his lust for life, work ethic, and engaging personality, noting that his unique smile and passion on the pitch made him an inspiration to teammates and supporters alike.
McLeod’s Football Journey
Ethan McLeod joined Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy at the age of seven, progressing through the ranks to feature for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, though he never made a first-team appearance.
During his career, he also had loan spells at Alvechurch, followed by short stints at Rushall Olympic and Stourbridge before arriving at Macclesfield after a successful trial.
Since joining the Silkmen, McLeod had made seven appearances, scoring three goals, including:
- FA Cup debut against Atherton LR in September
- An 81st-minute equaliser against King’s Lynn Town on 10 December
Most recently, he played in an FA Trophy fixture against South Shields.
Impact on Macclesfield and the Football Community
Fans and club officials were deeply affected by McLeod’s death. Silkmen Supporters’ Trust (SST) said they were “devastated at the loss of one of our own.” Board member Jon Smart reflected:
“Ethan had started to make a real difference in the first team, scoring crucial goals in recent weeks. He had a nippy style, an eye for goal, and was genuinely loved by fans for his cheerful personality. Losing him in such tragic circumstances will be a terrible blow to everyone at the club.”
The club’s next National League North fixture at Alfreton Town on Saturday has not yet been confirmed, with a minute’s silence planned before Macclesfield’s home game against Brentford.
Support From Former Club Wolves
McLeod’s younger brother, Conor McLeod, plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Under-21s. Wolves expressed their heartbreak over the loss of their former academy player and pledged support for Conor and his family.
Legacy: “Forever a Silkman”
Macclesfield recalled previous tragedies involving former players, noting parallels with the deaths of manager Keith Alexander (2010) and midfielder Richard Butcher (2011). Jon Smart added:
“Like Alexander and Butcher, Ethan McLeod will be forever remembered as a Silkman. His energy, talent, and character will live on in the club and amongst supporters.”
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