From wonderkid to father figure - how Ampadu leads Leeds

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However, last summer marked the first post-season in five years during which the Wales international didn't need to prepare any luggage.

Having joined Leeds United a year earlier, he played a key role in laying the groundwork for Daniel Farke's ambitions for automatic promotion after last season's defeat to Southampton in the play-off final.

Ampadu's skills and adaptability went beyond mere talent, reflecting his growing presence as a leader in the locker room, a quality he developed through his experiences at seven different professional clubs, which comprise his diverse career journey.

This development led Farke to appoint Ampadu as captain at the young age of 23. He characterized the “honor” of the role as giving him a sense of “home,” despite acknowledging the weight of responsibility that comes with it is “not easy” to manage.

Ampadu made his professional debut at just 15 years, 10 months, and 26 days, when he played against Brentford in the EFL Cup for Exeter City in League Two back in 2016.

His significant move to Chelsea followed only 12 months later. He then embarked on a series of four loan spells with RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia, and Spezia, each presenting its own unique challenges, be it cultural, linguistic, tactical, or circumstantial.

Last year, Ampadu achieved the distinction of being the fastest player to reach 50 caps for Wales, with former manager Rob Page noting he is a “future captain” for the national side.

“I feel like I've discovered a home, and I hope to reflect that through my performances and my character. I believe that the experiences and challenges I have faced have necessitated my growth at an early age,” he shared with BBC Sport.

“I have resided in various places, encountered different cultures, and observed how individuals function within those professional settings.

“Being entrusted at such a young age to play and deliver results is one aspect of my maturation. Additionally, spending time with older individuals during my development has played a significant role.

“I sense that I come across as mature due to my upbringing; however, I am certain that if you asked some of the guys around the training facility, they would probably still perceive me as 24.”

He pointed to previous Wales captains Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams as significant influences, along with Chelsea icon Cesar Azpilicueta and former Leeds captain Liam Cooper, who led him during his previous season.

Nonetheless, his father Kwame Ampadu, a former professional player and his coach at Exeter, is “the first person I admire,” but also “someone I often clash with as a player conversing with a coach.”

The invaluable influence from his father informs Ampadu's aspirations beyond football, particularly as he became a father himself in 2022. “I have a little boy, so my aim is to inspire and shape him into the person I hope he will grow to be – and that he aspires to be when he gets older. That’s genuinely a vital aspect of my life right now,” he remarked.

It is uncommon for Ampadu to appear in the media outside of football, yet he participated in a surprise visit to a charity shop in Ripon, North Yorkshire, to support Green Football's Great Save by donating his first shirt as the captain of Leeds.

“I believe this is a moment for me to share my message,” he commented. “Even if I can inspire just one individual, contributing positively to the environment would be fantastic.”

“I may not be an expert, and I might never become one, but I aim to demonstrate that I am learning. Statistics show that 100,000 tons of sportswear are discarded into landfills every year. It’s about finding ways to positively affect the environment.”

Although Ampadu is currently sidelined due to a knee injury, he remains optimistic about returning to aid Leeds in their pursuit of the title during a competitive automatic promotion contest with Sheffield United and Burnley.

“It’s the closing phase of the season,” he remarked. “There are currently three top teams vying for the same goal — four if you consider Sunderland as well. However, we have complete belief in our capabilities.”

“We are striving to reach the summit of the league. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying that. It would be foolish not to. While we’re in this competition, we will aim to relish every moment.”