Paul Edward Madeley, born Leeds, England, September 20, 1944. While many players carve their names into history by mastering one position, Paul Madeley made his mark by excelling in nearly every outfield role on the pitch.
Paul Madeley’s footballing journey began in modest surroundings at Farsley Celtic, a non-league side in the Leeds area. He caught the eye of Leeds United scouts and, in May 1962, made the leap to Elland Road, signing his first professional contract with the club. It wasn’t long before he made his debut, stepping in during a January 1964 clash to fill in for injured defenders Freddie Goodwin and Jack Charlton. This marked the beginning of a career where he would continually answer the call, regardless of the position asked of him. Despite playing in an era full of specialists, Madeley proved his worth as a player whose adaptability made him indispensable. Don Revie, Leeds’ iconic manager, quickly realized that Madeley was a unique talent—capable of fitting into any position, from midfield to defense, and even occasionally in attacking roles. It was this quality that earned Madeley the nickname “The Eleven Pauls,” as it was said he could play in any of the numbered positions on the field.
Leeds United’s rise to prominence in English football during the 1960s and 1970s is well documented. The team became known for its physical style, tactical discipline, and a strong winning mentality. As Leeds began to challenge for domestic and European honors, Madeley’s importance grew exponentially. His first major contribution to Leeds’ success came in 1968, when the club won its first major trophy under Revie’s leadership. Madeley started in the League Cup final against Arsenal, donning the No. 9 shirt—unusual for someone more commonly seen in defense or midfield. Nevertheless, he adapted seamlessly, and Leeds triumphed 1–0 to claim the title. In the same year, Madeley also featured prominently in Leeds’ Inter-Cities Fairs Cup campaign. Leeds won the competition, with Madeley playing a crucial role in the final. His performances, whether in defense or as a stand-in midfielder, were instrumental in securing European success for Leeds. This period was only the beginning of what would be a golden era for the club and for Madeley himself.
The 1971–72 season was arguably one of the most successful in Madeley’s career, both for himself and for Leeds United. Injuries and suspensions plagued the team, and Madeley’s versatility was again called upon. Despite the team’s rotation and constant reshuffling, Madeley never missed a league game that season. In a squad full of talent, including stars like Billy Bremner, Jack Charlton, and Johnny Giles, Madeley’s reliability allowed Leeds to continue competing on multiple fronts. Leeds reached the FA Cup final that year, where they would face Arsenal, the very team they had beaten in the League Cup final four years earlier. In the build-up to the final, Leeds suffered a blow when their first-choice left-back, Terry Cooper, broke his leg. True to form, Madeley stepped in at left-back, wearing the No. 3 shirt. The final was a hard-fought affair, with Leeds emerging as 1–0 victors thanks to an Allan Clarke goal. This victory gave Leeds their first-ever FA Cup triumph and further cemented Madeley’s reputation as the ultimate team player—someone who could be relied upon in any circumstance, in any position.
Leeds’ domestic success during the 1970s was paired with near misses and moments of European heartbreak. After the FA Cup victory in 1972, Leeds again found themselves in contention for more silverware. The following season, Leeds reached the FA Cup final once more, but this time they were defeated by underdogs Sunderland. Madeley played at centre-back during the final, a position he had become more accustomed to as Jack Charlton’s playing career wound down. A few days later, Leeds faced yet another high-stakes European final, this time in the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Played in Salonika, Greece, Leeds met A.C. Milan in a controversial match that left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Leeds faithful. Several contentious refereeing decisions overshadowed the game, and Leeds lost 1–0. Despite the disappointment, Madeley’s performances in Europe only enhanced his reputation, particularly his ability to cope under pressure, no matter the position he found himself in.
The 1973–74 season saw Leeds United return to the pinnacle of English football by winning the First Division title. Madeley was an ever-present figure in the side, missing only three matches throughout the campaign. His contributions in defense and midfield provided the stability Leeds needed to secure their second league title under Don Revie. After Revie left the club in the summer of 1974 to take the reins of the England national team, many wondered if Leeds’ golden era was over. However, the team continued to perform well, reaching their first and only European Cup final in 1975. Once again, Madeley was an integral part of the team, wearing the No. 5 shirt and playing in central defense. Leeds faced Bayern Munich in the final, held in Paris, but were again undone by a series of controversial refereeing decisions, losing 2–0. For Madeley, this marked yet another near miss on the European stage, though his individual performances remained exemplary.
While Madeley’s club career was filled with accolades, his international career with England was more understated, though still notable. He made his debut for the national team in 1971, playing at right-back in a match against Northern Ireland. Over the next six years, Madeley would go on to win 24 caps for his country, primarily playing as a right-back. One of his most significant moments in an England shirt came in 1973 when he partnered the legendary Bobby Moore at centre-back during Moore’s 100th cap for England in a match against Scotland. What sets Madeley apart from many of his peers is his decision to decline an invitation to the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. England manager Sir Alf Ramsey had called on Madeley to replace injured Leeds teammate Paul Reaney in the squad, but Madeley, citing a need for rest and the likelihood that he would not play, politely turned down the offer. While some may have viewed this as a missed opportunity, Madeley’s honesty and self-awareness demonstrated his grounded nature and his commitment to both his health and his club.
Paul Madeley’s career at Leeds United spanned 18 years, culminating in 1980 when he retired from professional football. By the time he hung up his boots, Madeley had made an astounding 724 appearances for Leeds in all competitions, a testament to his consistency, versatility, and longevity. Upon his retirement, Leeds granted him a well-deserved testimonial season in 1977 to honor his immense contributions to the club. After leaving football, Madeley turned his attention to business. He invested in a sports goods shop in Leeds and also worked for his family’s DIY business. The Madeley family’s business acumen paid off when, in 1987, they sold the company for £27 million, allowing Madeley to live a comfortable life post-retirement. Despite his business success, Madeley never lost touch with his footballing roots. His contributions to Leeds United have been remembered fondly by fans, and his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players is undeniable. His ability to step into any role and deliver performances of the highest standard made him a unique and invaluable figure, not just for Leeds but for English football as a whole.