A promising young footballer who once featured in a Premier League academy has been killed in a devastating motorway crash while travelling home from a match, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the non-league game.
Ethan McLeod, a 21-year-old forward who began his career in the Wolves academy before joining Macclesfield FC, died late on Saturday night after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier on the M1 near Northampton.
Emergency services were called to the northbound carriageway at around 10.40pm, but McLeod was pronounced dead at the scene.
Macclesfield FC confirmed the tragic news on Wednesday, revealing that McLeod had been returning home following the club’s 2-1 victory over Bedford Town earlier that evening.
The result, which should have been another positive step in the club’s season, was instead overshadowed by the loss of a player widely regarded as both a rising talent and a hugely popular presence within the squad.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
“Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
Ethan McLeod came through the Wolves academy before joining Macclesfield
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“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.”
McLeod had joined Macclesfield after progressing through Wolves’ youth system, where he was considered a player of significant promise.
He was a forward blessed with pace, intelligence and a relentless work ethic, attributes that helped him make the transition into senior football and establish himself at non-league level.
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.
— Macclesfield FC (C) (@thesilkmen) December 17, 2025
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.… pic.twitter.com/DWpTqVuFzT
The club’s statement underlined the depth of feeling inside the dressing room and beyond.
“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,” it continued.
Macclesfield also highlighted the wider impact McLeod had away from matchdays.
He was described as someone who “effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch”.
While acknowledging that the pain of his loss would endure, the club stressed that his memory would not fade.
The statement added that the “deep mental scars from his passing” would never fully heal, but that his “vibrant legacy will never fade”.
Ethan McLeod will 'forever be a Silkman'
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“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten,” the club said.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it.
“May you rest in peace Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.”
The crash caused significant disruption on the M1, with the northbound carriageway closed for more than eight hours as investigators worked at the scene.
Police have since appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward as they continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.