Albert Johanneson: Leeds United’s South African Wing Ping

Signed by us in April 1961, after a recommendation from a South African school teacher, Albert Johanneson turned out to be somewhat of a success story for Leeds.

A tricky left-winger, the South African was an influential force in our 1963/64 season where his 13 league goals helped to ensure our promotion to the First Division.

Johanneson made history while playing for us in 1965, with him becoming the first black person to feature in an FA Cup final, which we lost to Liverpool, with the player also not performing to his best.

In the years that followed, Johanneson was in and out of our side, though his inconsistency became a problem. With Eddie Gray emerging from the youth ranks and manager Don Revie seemingly preferring the Scot, it meant that Johanneson’s days were increasingly numbered.

This did indeed become the case in 1970, with the player signing for nearby Yorkshire side York City where he stayed for two seasons, featuring on 26 occasions, scoring two goals.

During his time for us, Johanneson made 172 appearances over nine years, scoring 48 goals.

The Footballing Legacy Of Johanneson

While he did have somewhat of a mixed time during his career, Johanneson is remembered for helping to pave the way for numerous black players who made their way to English football’s top flight – and indeed, the lower leagues.