Name: Gary Andrew Speed

Nationality: Wales

Position: Midfielder (central/attacking)

Club Career (selected highlights):

• Leeds United (1988–1996) — Broke into the first team as a teenager; established as a reliable midfielder known for stamina, passing and goal-scoring from midfield.
• Everton (1996–1998) — Continued to perform in the English top flight with consistent appearances.
• Newcastle United (1998–2004) — Key midfield figure; enjoyed several strong seasons and European competition.
• Bolton Wanderers (2004–2008) — Finished his playing career with solid performances and leadership at Bolton.

International Career:

• Wales National Team (1990–2004) — Gary Speed earned 85 caps for Wales and scored 7 goals. He was long-serving, often captain, and became a central figure for the national side across the 1990s and early 2000s.

Managerial Career (selected):

• Sheffield United — Began managerial career with Sheffield United (2010–2011).
• Wales National Team (2010–2011) — Appointed Wales manager in 2010; credited with beginning a transformation in squad morale, organization and laying foundations that helped Wales qualify for UEFA Euro 2016 after his tenure.

Legacy: Gary Speed is remembered as one of Wales’ finest and most influential footballers. Renowned for his professionalism, work-rate and leadership, he left a lasting impact on Welsh football both as a player and as a manager. He tragically passed away in 2011; his death prompted widespread tributes throughout the football world.