Leeds United fans will agree he deserves the accolade having seen his many off-field gestures
11:09, 29 May 2026
Ilia Gruev
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Ilia Gruev(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ilia Gruev has won Leeds United’s PFA Community Champion for the 2025/26 season for his stellar work with good causes across the year.
The midfielder, who was named Bulgaria’s player of the year for 2025 in March, is often seen at club Foundation initiatives and is known for going the extra mile for beneficiaries, raising awareness for important topics and the less advantaged.
PFA Community Liaison Executive and former Brighton & Hove Albion player Ben Parker presented Gruev with his accolade ahead of the club’s 1-0 win over the Seagulls earlier this month.
After receiving the trophy, Gruev said: "I am incredibly honoured to receive The PFA Community Champion Award. When I joined Leeds United I quickly realised this club is deeply rooted in a passionate community.
"Meeting so many amazing people across the city has been incredibly rewarding. As players, we are in a privileged position and it is our responsibility to give back to those who support us through everything.
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"Thank you to the PFA, the club and most importantly, the people of Leeds for always welcoming me with open arms. We keep marching on together."
Gruev, whose season was cut short with a knee meniscus injury suffered in training prior to the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, spoke to Leeds Live in February about his inner drive to help the less fortunate.
“I'd say the biggest part came from my parents, from my family,” Gruev explained. “They always say you have to respect everybody, it doesn't matter what they do or who they are.
"And I like to help people. I would say I'm a guy who is very authentic. I like to have contact with people who support the club, we have something in common all together.
“Often these are people who have difficult lives. It's like I spend one, two or three hours, which is not such [a long time] for me, and then I hear after from the people how much it meant to them, and how they were in a good mood the whole week.
“I think we underestimate these things a little bit. I think this is a big thing and I always love to hear from whoever after these visits. This is why I always try to help wherever I can.”
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