Although they did not yet hold the championship trophy, Leeds United still made a triumphant return.
All the fans who had followed the team north to Newcastle either drove or took buses back, forming a convoy that stretched for miles like a long serpent winding its way south along the A1 motorway.
After arriving in Aberford, they turned onto the M1 and continued west toward the southern suburbs of Leeds, then merged onto the M621 motorway heading north.
The M621 provided direct access to the Elland Road roundabout.
It was past midnight, yet Elland Road remained brightly lit.
While Leeds United were still on the road, word had already spread. That night, at least 200,000 fans had gathered around Elland Road.
They weren't just from Leeds, but from across Yorkshire and even the north-central regions of England, with more fans arriving by the minute.
When the Leeds United team bus emerged from the motorway and approached the Elland Road roundabout, it was immediately surrounded by ecstatic supporters.
The fans welcomed the players as if they were triumphant soldiers returning from a victorious campaign.
Cheers echoed in all directions.
As Leeds United's performances improved, their fan base grew, not just in Leeds or Yorkshire, but across the entire UK. The proof was in the broadcasting numbers.
So far, 28 of Leeds United's matches had been televised, surpassing both Manchester United and Manchester City, and tying with Liverpool.
With both Leeds United and Liverpool set to feature in the final round, that number would rise to 29—the highest possible in the Premier League.
Interestingly, both teams were known for their entertaining football, and both had become the most popular sides among British fans.
Although the official award ceremony had not yet been held, that did not stop the celebrations. When the team bus entered the roundabout, even more fans surged forward, temporarily blocking the roads.
Eventually, the police had to clear a path while the team used loudspeakers to ask supporters to make way.
"Three days later, we face Juventus at home!"
"That's another crucial match this season. We can't afford to lose it!"
Hearing this, the fans gradually calmed down.
They could celebrate, but the players could not.
Everyone needed to conserve their energy and focus on defeating Juventus.
Advancing to the Champions League final became Leeds United's next priority.
As the team bus entered the AXA Centre, fans outside continued their celebration all through the night around the training base and Elland Road.
...
The next day, major media outlets across Britain and Europe ran headlines celebrating Leeds United's successful title defense.
Although their lead was not overwhelming, Leeds United became only the fourth team in Premier League history to defend their title.
Before them, only Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City had achieved this feat. Even Arsenal had never managed it—showing just how difficult back-to-back titles were in the Premier League era.
Especially now, with powerful rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal, the competition was fierce.
That Leeds United managed to defend their crown under such circumstances was proof of their true strength.
Even more remarkable, they had sold several key players the previous summer.
Which other Premier League club could sell its stars year after year and still continue improving?
The media flooded with stories, analysis, and admiration.
Selling players every year yet remaining champions seemed impossible. But Leeds United had done it.
The conclusion was clear: Leeds United possessed a unique youth training and player development model.
Much like Ajax in its golden era.
The press highlighted their global scouting network, cutting-edge youth academy, elite coaching staff, and their heavily invested data analysis and methodology departments.
Leeds United became the model club of Europe.
The Times even described their rise as "a victory for football."
Unlike Chelsea or Manchester City, who relied on massive spending to build their squads, Leeds United's success came from their academy and intelligent management—reminiscent of Ferguson's Manchester United and the legendary Class of '92.
As a result, Pochettino was hailed by the media and fans alike as "the new Ferguson." Some Manchester United supporters even called for him to replace Solskjær.
Off the pitch, Leeds United's commercial success was equally impressive.
Since Gao Shen's takeover, the White Roses had become a global brand—hugely popular on social media and admired by fans worldwide.
A previous American media survey revealed that among young Americans under 30, Leeds United ranked as the most popular sports club in the world, surpassing Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Their international fan base continued to grow each year.
Financially, Leeds United had become a powerhouse.
A Deloitte report ranked them among Europe's top five in commercial revenue, noting the club was still undervalued despite its strength. Their influence in North America and Asia, especially China, was expanding rapidly.
With success in both football and business, and excellent wage control, Leeds United had become UEFA's model club.
Both UEFA President Ceferin and FIFA President Infantino praised their management, describing Leeds as a shining example for others.
Not only The Times, but also The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Sun published detailed reports, hailing Leeds United as the strongest team in the Premier League this season.
The squad was young—its star player Mbappe was only 20.
However, The Sun also reported that Leeds United might soon face a financial test.
Several Spanish outlets confirmed that Real Madrid were in talks with Mbappe's representatives. Leeds United had agreed to let him go if a club offered €250 million.
Real Madrid were reportedly willing to pay that figure, which would make Mbappe the most expensive player in history, surpassing Neymar.
But who was truly the highest-paid superstar in history?
The Sun gave its answer: even if Mbappe became the most expensive in pure numbers, Zidane's record still stood as the greatest of all time.
Their analysis pointed out that although global football revenues had soared and transfer fees above €100 million had become common, no deal had ever matched Zidane's value relative to club revenue.
In 2001, Real Madrid earned €137 million in revenue but paid €78 million for Zidane—57% of the club's total income.
It was an unprecedented move that shook world football.
At that time, even Manchester United, the richest club, only made around €170 million in revenue.
Today, Real Madrid's annual revenue exceeds €900 million, and Manchester United's over €700 million.
By that ratio, a comparable transfer today would cost at least €350 million—a figure no club could realistically pay.
Thus, even if Mbappe joins Real Madrid for €250 million, surpassing Neymar, the magnitude of Zidane's transfer in its era remains unmatched.
Meanwhile, Spanish newspapers AS and Marca—both close to Real Madrid—reported that Zidane would become Real Madrid's head coach for the new season.
He would be the first manager appointed by Real Madrid's technical director, Gao Shen.
...
While global media buzzed about Leeds United's title defense and Mbappe's possible move to Real Madrid, Leeds quietly focused on the next challenge.
At the AXA Centre, they held closed training sessions, blocking out all distractions.
Three days later, they hosted Juventus at the Amazon Stadium.
In the first leg in Turin, Leeds United had come from behind to win 3-1. Now, they were determined to finish the job.
Juventus needed at least three away goals to advance, so Allegri's side attacked aggressively from the start.
Leeds United relied on solid defending and swift counterattacks.
In the 27th minute, Mbappe scored the opener on a quick break.
After halftime, Juventus continued to press forward, but Mbappe struck again on the counter, sealing a 2-0 victory.
Juventus' resistance collapsed, and the score remained unchanged until full-time.
Leeds United defeated Juventus 2-0 at home, advancing to the Champions League final 5-1 on aggregate.
Their opponent would be Manchester City, who drew 0-0 away and won 2-1 at home against Liverpool.
Another fierce battle awaited at the Amazon Stadium.
(To be continued.)