Leeds United were founded in 1919 after the dissolution of their predecessor club, Leeds City, by the Football Association. Under Don Revie in the 1960s and 70s, the club entered a golden era, winning two league titles, one FA Cup, and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups. Their relentless pursuit of victory earned them the infamous "Dirty Leeds" moniker, a tag that fans wore with pride even as rivals sneered.

In 1992, Howard Wilkinson guided Leeds to the final old First Division title. The early 2000s saw a Champions League semi-final run, but reckless spending plunged the club into financial crisis, leading to relegation from the Premier League in 2004 and an eventual drop to the third tier by 2007.

The appointment of Marcelo Bielsa in 2018 transformed the club's fortunes. His revolutionary pressing philosophy, dubbed "Bielsaball," swept Leeds to promotion in the 2019-20 season, ending a 16-year exile from the top flight. A street in Leeds city centre was renamed "Marcelo Bielsa Way" in honour of his achievement.

Leeds supporters sing "Marching On Together" as their anthem, embodying a passionate fanbase renowned across English football. Bielsa's DNA of relentless pressing and attacking intent has shaped the club's identity ever since. In 2023, 49ers Enterprises, the ownership group behind NFL's San Francisco 49ers, completed a full takeover of the club, ushering in a new era of investment and long-term planning. A major redevelopment of Elland Road has been announced, with plans to expand capacity to 53,000.

Manager Daniel Farke favours possession-based football with tactical flexibility. During the 2024-25 Championship campaign, a mid-season shift from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 proved transformative, unlocking the team's best form. In possession, the back line morphs into a four, while out of possession a five-man defence provides solidity. This fluid system maximises each player's strengths.

Farke has twice won the Championship with Norwich City but struggled in the Premier League on both occasions. His third attempt at top-flight management with Leeds is a central storyline of the 2025-26 season.

Opened in 1897 and home to Leeds United since the club's founding in 1919, Elland Road holds 37,645 and is the 14th-largest football ground in England. The all-time attendance record of 57,892 was set in March 1967 during an FA Cup replay against Sunderland.

Following the 49ers Enterprises takeover, a major redevelopment is under way. The West Stand will expand from 8,000 to 17,750 seats, and the North Stand from 10,414 to 15,300, bringing total capacity to 53,000. West Stand construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028.