Leeds United are one of the most historic and decorated teams in English club football history, but the last couple of decades haven’t been the most memorable.

At the turn of the millennium, Leeds were not only a huge club, but a team capable of challenging for titles. 

Howard Wilkinson guided Leeds to the First Division title in the 90s, while David O’Leary steered the Whites to a memorable few years in the early 00s. 

Since then though, Leeds have seen little success, being relegated to the Championship fifteen years ago, not to return since.

Despite that though, Leeds fans have stayed loyal, and it looks like they are about to be repaid for their loyalty, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side entering next season as one of the favourites. 

Here, we look back on the millennium so far, and pick the three biggest moments at Leeds United.

Do you agree, or can you think of bigger or better moments from the last two decades? Let us know in the comments section below. 

Champions League semi-final 

Leeds entered the turn of the millennium as one of the best teams in England, and it is hard to believe they were fighting in a Champions League semi final just 17 years ago.

Under David O’Leary, the Whites went on a European odyssey in the early 2000s, with a team including the likes of Nigel Martyn, Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, and many more.

Sadly, they lost to a brilliant Valencia side - potentially the best Valencia side of recent history - in a 3-0 loss at the Mestalla. 

Back to Championship

After a slump in League One, Leeds returned to the second tier of English football after three seasons in the third.

Under Simon Grayson, the Whites finished second, with a very memorable side, including the likes of Jermaine Beckfard, Luciano Vecchio, Robert Snodgrass, and many more stars. 

Grayson became the first manager in five years to complete a full season at Leeds, and won their first promotion in two decades. 

Jermaine Beckford v Manchester United

Jermaine Beckford was one of the stars of that era for Leeds, finishing as their top scorer for three consecutive years, but his most memorable goal came in the FA Cup, when Leeds defeated arch enemies Manchester United.

Forty-two league places separated the two clubs before kick off, but Grayson’s men showed the steel to pull off a triumph that will live long in the memory of Leeds fans.

It was a fully deserved win for the Whites, and it has to go down as one of the biggest moments in recent history.