“[…] Leroy De Leon was not only a footballer of extraordinary skill and vision but also an ambassador for the sport, inspiring generations of players with his talent, determination, and love for the game.
“As one of the most gifted players of his era, he brought pride to our nation, representing Trinidad and Tobago with grace and excellence on the international stage…”
The following is a press statement by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) on the passing of iconic former national footballer Leroy De Leon:

(via NASL)
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Leroy De Leon, a legendary figure in Trinidad and Tobago football whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of our nation’s sporting history.
He passed at 7.30am today after ailing for some time. De Leon was not only a footballer of extraordinary skill and vision but also an ambassador for the sport, inspiring generations of players with his talent, determination, and love for the game.
As one of the most gifted players of his era, he brought pride to our nation, representing Trinidad and Tobago with grace and excellence on the international stage.

(via NASL)
Beyond his contributions on the field, Leroy De Leon will be remembered for his role in elevating the profile of football in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. He was a trailblazer whose passion ignited dreams in young athletes and left an indelible mark on the sport’s development in the region.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the football community during this time of loss. May his memory continue to inspire, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
De Leon’s legacy lives on, and his name will forever be celebrated as a symbol of the spirit, skill, and resilience of Trinidad and Tobago.
- De Leon graduated from St Benedict’s College. In 1967, he signed with the New York Generals of the National Professional Soccer League. In 1968, the NPSL merged with the United Soccer Association to form the North American Soccer League.
- In 1969, DeLeon moved to the Washington Darts, then in the American Soccer League. He was a 1970 First Team All Star in the NASL.
- Following the 1971 season, the Darts moved to Miami, Florida and became the Miami Gatos. DeLeon did not play in the NASL in 1972.
- In May 1974, Miami (now renamed the Toros) traded De Leon to the Washington Diplomats for cash and the Diplomats’ 1974 first round draft choice.
- In April 1977, the Diplomats traded DeLeon to the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for Mark Liveric. He finished his NASL career in 1979 with the Seattle Sounders.
- In the fall of 1979, De Leon moved to the Detroit Lightning of the Major Indoor Soccer League. The Lightning traded him to the Phoenix Inferno where he retired after three seasons.

Standing (from left to right) Gerald Figeroux, Leroy DeLeon, Bertrand Grell, Jimmy Springer, Selwyn Murren, Arnim David, and Mervyn Crawford.
Stooping (from left to right) Buggy Haynes, Lawrence Rondon, Tyrone de la Bastide, Gally Cummings, and Wilfred Cave.
(via TT Football History)
De Leon, who made his national team debut at the age of 16, and is reported to have 17 official caps for T&T at senior level. He was part of one the greatest teams that ever played in the Colleges League (now the Secondary Schools Football League), which included future national teammates Warren Archibald, Steve David, Wilfred Cave and Jan Steadman.
He was named as the greatest SSFL player from the first 50 years in 2016, was inducted in Trinidad and Tobago’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, and named to the North American Soccer League’s First Team in 1970.
Leroy was arguably the BEST talent this country’s football has seen. But perhaps the most admirable of his characteristics was his humility. He was a man of his quiet determination and a sense of self value. I spent some time training and playing with him in 1976 at the Washington Diplomats of the old North American Soccer League. He was visibly the most talented player in a squad filled with Europeans, particularly Englishmen brought in by the coach, Dennis Viollet (Manchester United and England).
In training he would tell Leroy, “Cyril (his nickname), you could play in any league in the world”, and then relegate him to the bench behind lesser players on match day. But when Leroy entered the pitch, this was when the magic began. We have lost a true icon. And I use the word with the most stringent requirements foremost in my mind.
Those who were lucky enough to see him play, or to actually play with him, were privileged. RIP Leroy.
Beautiful. May his loved ones and friends dearest have peace in his memory. 🙏🏿🇹🇹