Source: FOOTYMAD
Leeds' All Time Greats: No 23 Albert Johanneson
Was the first black player to play in an FA Cup Final. Albert Johanneson (1961-70) 200 apps, 68 goals One of the saddest stories in football history, Johanneson was the first black player to play in an FA Cup Final, and the second for Leeds after Gerry Francis, but died in an alcoholic haze in a bedsit in 1995. I once visited his grave in Lawnswood Cemetery where there was a headstone with a Maya Angelou verse inscribed: "I am a black ocean leaping and wide." The South African had the raw talent to rival George Best, according to Johnny Giles, but suffered crises of confidence after freezing against Liverpool at Wembley in 1965 and was hampered by the rise of Eddie Gray. After his death, he lay in an unmarked grave until a Leeds teacher, Paul Eubanks, got in touch with the club, who said they would pay for a wooden cross while a tombstone was made. Personal informationFull nameAlbert Louis JohannesonDate of birthMarch 13, 1940Place of birth Johannesburg, South AfricaDate of death September 28, 1995 (aged 55)Place of death Leeds, EnglandHeight1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)Playing positionLeft wingerSenior career1YearsClubApp (Gls)*1961-19701970-1972Leeds UnitedYork City172 (48)026 0(3) 1 Senior club appearances and goalscounted for the domestic league only.* Appearances (Goals)
