Leeds United and Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas has today announced his retirement from professional football.

The 32-year-old suffered a femoral fracture during our Premier League fixture with Manchester City in April 2022 and despite the best efforts of Stuart himself and surgeons, along with the medical and rehabilitation staff at Thorp Arch over the past two years, he has sadly been unable to make a return to play.

Dallas will go down as a legend for both club and country for his achievements in the game, whilst away from the pitch he has also shown his commitment to our local community, representing the club at numerous events and engaging regularly with supporters.

Growing up in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, Dallas played in his country for Coagh United and Crusaders, winning both the Irish League Cup and Setanta Sports Cup with the latter.

After being capped at youth level for Northern Ireland, his club form led to a full senior cap in 2011, with Dallas making his debut against Wales. 

His exploits led to him being snapped up by Brentford in 2012 and after a loan spell at Northampton Town, he helped the Bees secure automatic promotion from League One in 2013/14, making 18 league appearances, scoring two goals.

In August 2015, Dallas moved to West Yorkshire to join Leeds United, linking up with then manager Uwe Rosler, with the duo having previously worked together at Brentford.

Dallas made his Leeds United debut in the 1-1 Championship draw with Burnley at Elland Road, in what would be the first of over 250 appearances with the Whites.

Two months after joining Leeds, Dallas went on to make history with his country by helping Northern Ireland defeat Greece 3-1, securing a place at their first ever Euros and their first major championship in 30 years, which took place the following year.

After scoring his first goal in Leeds colours in a 3-2 away victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, at the end of the campaign, Dallas went on to help his country reach the knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2016.

A key part of the side over the next two seasons, the first in which saw the Whites narrowly miss out on the Championship Play-Offs, Dallas would go on to thrive even further following the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa.

Showing his versatility on either side as a winger, at left-back, right-back and centre midfield, Dallas always played with 100 per cent effort wherever asked.

Leeds narrowly missed out on the automatic promotion places in the Championship in 2018/19, and despite the best efforts of Dallas, who scored two goals in the Play-Off semi-final second leg against Derby County at Elland Road, it ended in heartbreak.

The following season, though, was historic for both Dallas and Leeds. Perhaps his most memorable goal of the campaign was his finish to a captivating move against Stoke City in August 2019, as part of a 3-0 victory at the Bet365 Stadium. However, his vital equalisers at Elland Road against Preston North End and Luton Town cannot be ignored, along with his strike in the infamous 5-4 victory against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s, or his goal on the final day against Charlton Athletic, as Leeds went on to lift the Sky Bet Championship trophy. Dallas had truly cemented himself as a Leeds United hero as the Whites returned to the top-flight for the first time in 16 years.

In the 2020/21 season, Dallas played in every Premier League game for Leeds, scoring eight goals and helped the Whites to a top-half finish. One of his most famous days in a Leeds shirt would come in April 2021 at the Etihad Stadium. Against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, Dallas had opened the scoring, but after being reduced to 10 men before the break, the second half looked set to be an uphill struggle. However, Dallas and co had other ideas and his stoppage time winner to complete a brace, capped off a fine victory.

As with the previous season, Dallas had played in every Premier League game for Leeds, prior to sustaining his injury against Manchester City at Elland Road in April 2022.

In total for Leeds, Dallas made 266 appearances in all competitions, scoring 28 goals, whilst for his country he earned 62 caps, scoring three goals.

Despite not featuring during the current season under Daniel Farke, Dallas has remained a key person behind the scenes, helping with the success of the current group.

Naturally, there is great sadness from everyone within the club about this news, but we all wish Stuart the very best in his retirement.

It goes without saying, Stuart is an icon of Leeds United and will always be welcome at Elland Road, his contribution will live long in the memory and he has cemented his place in history. 

We are currently in discussions with Stuart about a future role, to continue his association with the club going forwards. 

Leeds United supporters can show support, respect and appreciation for Stuart, who will be introduced onto the pitch at half-time of Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road, along with his family. 

Thanks for everything, Stu.