A one minute silence will be held ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Premier League fixture against Brentford following the death of former academy player Ethan McLeod. The 21-year-old footballer died after being involved in a car accident on the M1 near Northampton on Tuesday night.

Born in 2004, McLeod spent a decade at Wolverhampton Wanderers after joining the club’s academy at the age of seven. He progressed through the youth ranks and later signed professional terms with the West Midlands club before departing in September last year. Wolves confirmed his passing in a statement, describing the club as “heartbroken” by the loss of a former player who had been part of the organisation for much of his life.

McLeod was travelling back from a National League North away fixture at Bedford Town when the incident occurred. His Mercedes is believed to have collided with a barrier on the motorway. Police have since confirmed they are appealing for witnesses and are asking anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Ethan McLeod at the age of 21,” the statement read.“Ethan joined Wolves Academy at seven years old and went on to sign professional terms at the club, before leaving in September 2024.”

McLeod’s younger brother, Conor, is currently part of Wolves’ under-21 set-up.

After leaving Wolves, McLeod joined Macclesfield FC in July following a successful trial. He quickly became involved with the first-team squad, making his debut in a league fixture against Chorley in September. Across his early appearances, he scored two goals in four matches, showing promise at his new club.

Macclesfield described McLeod as an “incredibly talented” player with an “infectious personality” and paid tribute to his impact both on and off the pitch. In a statement, the club said:

“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.”

Tributes have continued to emerge from across the football community, with clubs, teammates and supporters expressing their condolences. The planned silence at Molineux will serve as a mark of respect for a young player whose career was just beginning, and whose death has left a profound impact on those who knew him.

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