Lucas Radebe, born 12 April 1969, is a retired South African soccer star who played centre back for Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United, and the South African National team.

Starting at Kaizer Chiefs, Radebe moved to Leeds United, featuring in 256 games for them. He earned the monikers "Rhoo" and "The Chief" during his time at these clubs.

Leading Leeds United and the national team, he shone at World Cup 2002. Nelson Mandela hailed him as a hero. He also captained Kaizer Chiefs.

Age

Born on 12 April 1969 in Soweto, he's 54 years old in 2023, celebrating on April 12th annually.

Spouse

Feziwe, his first wife, passed in October 2008. Radebe had heart issues after collapsing at the gym in December 2008. He wed his second wife in late 2015.

Career

Club Days

Radebe started as Kaizer Chiefs' goalie, shifting to midfield, then central defense. At Leeds, he covered in goal too when Mark Beeney exited against rivals Manchester United.

In 1994, Radebe and Philemon “Chippa” Masinga joined Leeds for £250,000. He outshone Masinga. Early struggles changed when George Graham took over, with Radebe captaining the team in 1998–99.

As captain, Leeds thrived; in 1998–99, they ranked fourth in the FA Premier League, entering the UEFA Cup. In 1999–2000, they reached the Champions League semis.

Radebe rejected Manchester United, A.C. Milan, and Roma. Alex Ferguson noted, “Everyone should be interested in Lucas.”

He got FIFA's Fair Play Award in 2000. Injuries in 2000 sidelined him for nearly two years, hampering his form.

Post-Playing

He retired in 2005, with Leeds holding a testimonial in 2005 at Elland Road. Radebe's match for charity took place at Kings Park Soccer Stadium.

Returning to Leeds in 2006, Radebe aimed to aid Bafana Bafana's setup for the 2010 World Cup.

In 2009, a Leeds brewery honored him with "Radebeer." The English FA named him ambassador for the 2018 World Cup bid.

His biography, "Lucas: From Soweto to Soccer Star" by Richard Coomber, released in 2010.

During FIFA 2010, Radebe analyzed matches and wrote for The Daily Telegraph.

He aims to manage Leeds and the South African national side.

International Play

Radebe debuted in 1992 against Cameroon. In 1996, he won the African Nations Cup, boosting South Africa's sports prowess.

Captain during the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, he netted a goal in 2002. He earned 70 caps for South Africa, scoring twice.

Post-retirement, Radebe helped secure South Africa's 2010 World Cup hosting. He's a TV pundit too.

Wealth

His net worth is around $1 million, earned through football.

Source:

https://wikisouthafrica.co.za/lucas-radebe/