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Stuart Dallas
Stuart Dallas
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Stuart Dallas (born 19 April 1991) is a Northern Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder or full-back.

Key Information

He had also been deployed as a winger in his early career, but in later seasons Dallas gained prominence as a utility player, appearing more often in midfield and at full-back. He was a key part of the Leeds United side under Marcelo Bielsa that won the 2019–20 EFL Championship and promotion to the Premier League. Dallas was also a regular for the Northern Ireland national team, having earned over fifty caps since his debut in 2011, and played at UEFA Euro 2016.

Dallas retired from football on 10 April 2024 after a two-year battle with a knee injury suffered in April 2022 in a match against Manchester City.

Club career

[edit]

Coagh United and Crusaders

[edit]

Born in Cookstown,[3] Dallas grew up in Cookstown and attended Cookstown Primary School and Cookstown High School during his education, winning the U14 and U15 Coleraine and District League titles with the high school in 2004 and 2005.[4][5][6] He started his career at Coagh United, where he made his debut in 2007 whilst working as a joiner.[7] In January 2010, Dallas played in a 4–0 Irish Cup sixth round defeat against Crusaders, with Dallas' performance prompting Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter to talk to Dallas and his father about the possibility of offering him a contract.[7][8] A deal was agreed later that week,[7] with Dallas joining Crusaders in the summer of 2010, training once a week and earning £70 a week.[9] He made his debut against Donegal Celtic on 7 August 2010.[10][11] He scored his first goals against Coleraine on 21 August,[12] and his first goal at Seaview proved to be the winning goal in a 5–4 victory over Glenavon.[13] He was chosen as both the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year for the 2010–11 season.[14] Dallas made 38 appearances and scored 16 goals during the 2010–11 season.[10]

Dallas made two appearances in Crusaders' Europa League second qualifying round matches against Premier League side Fulham early in the 2011–12 season, starting both games as Crusaders lost 7–1 on aggregate.[10] Dallas' final goal for Crusaders was the winning goal against Portadown on 2 January 2012,[10][15] and his final match was the 2012 Setanta Sports Cup final victory over Derry City, in which he scored in the penalty shootout.[10][16] Dallas made 47 appearances and scored 10 goals during the 2011–12 season.[10] He departed the club in the summer of 2012, after making 85 appearances and scoring 26 goals during his two seasons with Crusaders.[10]

Brentford

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On 12 April 2012, it was announced that Dallas had signed a pre-contract with League One side Brentford who were managed by Uwe Rosler and he joined the club that summer.[17][18] He made his debut for the Bees (the first professional appearance of his career) in a 1–0 Football League Trophy win over Crawley Town on 9 October, coming off the bench after 75 minutes to replace Scott Barron.[19][20] He made his league debut 4 days later as a substitute in a 1–1 draw away to Scunthorpe United.[19] His first start came in a 4–2 FA Cup replay win at home to Bradford City on 18 December.[19][21] He made 11 appearances over the course of the 2012–13 season and scored no goals.[19]

After making 3 cup appearances for Brentford in the 2013–14 season,[22] Dallas signed for League Two side Northampton Town on a month's loan on 5 October 2013 and went straight into the squad for the Cobblers' match that day against AFC Wimbledon. After replacing Chris Hackett in the 57th minute, he scored Northampton's second goal in a 2–0 victory.[23] He bagged his second Northampton goal in his third match for the club, following up fellow Brentford loanee Luke Norris's opener in a 3–2 defeat to Rochdale on 22 October.[24] On 5 November, Dallas' loan was extended until 1 January 2014.[25] He scored the only goal of the game against Accrington Stanley on 30 November.[26] An injury suffered to Brentford's on-loan Cardiff City winger Kadeem Harris meant that Dallas was recalled early from his loan on 23 December.[27][28] He made 12 appearances for Northampton and scored three goals.[22] Of his time at Northampton, Dallas said "on a personal note my loan spell was OK. I was playing every week. It was a good experience but results did not go our way and it was hard, when you are at the bottom everything seems to go against you".[29] He also remarked that the training was less intense than he was used to at Brentford.[29] Dallas signed a new two-year contract at Brentford on 13 November, which would have kept him at Griffin Park until the end of the 2015–16 season.[30] Dallas found his minutes on the pitch limited during the early months of 2014, but he broke into the starting lineup in April, starting in six of the Bees' final seven games of the season.[22] Dallas scored his first Brentford goal with what turned out to be a consolation in a 4–1 defeat to Colchester United on 26 April.[31] He made it two in two games when he scored the opener in a 2–0 win over Stevenage on the final day.[32] Dallas made 21 appearances and scored two goals in a season in which Brentford secured automatic promotion to the Championship.[22][33]

Dallas playing for Brentford in December 2014

On 26 June 2014, Dallas signed a new three-year contract, potentially keeping him at Griffin Park until the summer of 2017.[34] He scored his first goal of the 2014–15 season on his second appearance of the campaign, scoring two goals in the opening ten minutes of a League Cup first round shootout victory over Dagenham & Redbridge, which finished 6–6 after extra time, equalling the record number of goals scored in a League Cup match.[35] He also converted Brentford's first penalty in the shootout.[35] Dallas scored his first league goal of the season on 19 August 2014, bagging the winner in a 2–1 victory over Blackpool.[36] A quadriceps injury suffered in a 3–0 defeat to Norwich City on 16 September ended Dallas' fine start to the 2014–15 season.[37] He made his comeback from injury on 1 November against Derby County, replacing Jon Toral after 66 minutes.[38] With the score at 1–1, he scored his fourth goal of the season with a dramatic 93rd-minute winner.[38] In the following game, Dallas was pressed into service as an emergency right-back for the final 25 minutes of a 3–1 win over Nottingham Forest, having replaced the injured Moses Odubajo.[39] He later deputised on the opposite flank for the suspended Jake Bidwell in February 2015.[40] Dallas netted his sixth goal of the season with the only goal of the game versus Rotherham United on 10 January 2015,[41] a performance which established him in the starting lineup.[42] After nearly four months without a goal, Dallas scored twice in the Bees' 4–1 win over bitter rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on 3 April.[43] His second strike later won the club's Goal of the Season award.[44] He failed to score again during the season, which ended in defeat to Middlesbrough in the playoff semi-finals.[45] Dallas made 44 appearances and scored eight goals during the 2014–15 season.[45] On 31 July 2015, the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Brentford had accepted a bid for Dallas of over £1m from fellow Championship side Leeds United.[46] On 1 August 2015, new Brentford Head Coach Marinus Dijkhuizen revealed that Dallas did not want to sign a new contract at Brentford with a year remaining of his current contract and that he was likely to leave the club.[47]

Leeds United

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In August 2015, Dallas joined Leeds United on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee,[48][49] reported to be in the region of £1.3 million.[50] He made his debut for Leeds in the Football League Championship in a 1–1 draw against Burnley on the opening day of the season,[51] and scored his first goal for the club against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 17 December 2015.[52] Dallas scored a brace in a 2–1 win away to Birmingham City on 12 April 2016 with two goals from 20 yards into the bottom left corner.[53][54] He made 49 appearances for the club across the 2015–16 season, more than any other player in the squad, and scored five goals.[55][56] He won the Leeds United Players' Player Of The Year award for 2015–16.[57]

After missing part of pre-season training for the 2016–17 season due to his participation in UEFA Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland,[58] Dallas started Leeds' first match of the season as they lost 3–0 away to Queens Park Rangers,[59] but suffered a calf injury whilst on international duty with Northern Ireland in October 2016.[60] He returned in November 2016 as a substitute in a 2–1 win away to Rotherham United and scored his first goal of the season on 9 January 2017 with Leeds' first goal of a 2–1 FA Cup win away to Cambridge United.[59] In total, Dallas scored three goals in 35 appearances in all competitions that season.[59] In August 2017, Dallas signed a new three-year contract at the club keeping him at Leeds until the 2019–20 season.[61] Due to injuries to several fullbacks, including Luke Ayling and Laurens De Bock, Dallas was used as a right-back for periods during the 2017–18 season.[62][63] He scored two goals in 32 appearances for Leeds across the 2017–18 season.[64]

During the 2018–19 season, Dallas played in several positions under new head coach Marcelo Bielsa before long-term injuries to Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi meant Dallas had an extended run in the side as right-back. He scored his first goal of the season on 27 November in a 1–0 win against Reading.[65] However, on 1 December, Dallas broke his foot after picking up the injury in a 1–0 win against Sheffield United, which ruled him out for several weeks.[66] However, after his return to training, Dallas was ruled out for another 6 weeks after picking up another injury in January 2019.[67] After Leeds finished the regular season in third place, they qualified for the play-offs. Dallas started both legs of the Championship play-off semi-final against Derby County at left-back, following his return from injury, due to injuries to Barry Douglas, Gjanni Alioski and Leif Davis. Leeds won the first leg of the play-off semi-final, a 1–0 win at Pride Park, but despite two goals from Dallas, Leeds lost the reverse leg 4–2 at Elland Road, seeing Derby progress to the final against Aston Villa.[68] Dallas played 29 games in all competitions across the 2018–19 season, scoring four goals.[69]

In June 2019, fellow compatriot Bailey Peacock-Farrell revealed he and Dallas had turned down the option of starting pre-season training a week later after featuring on international duty for Northern Ireland over the summer, in order to fight for a starting spot.[70] On 24 August, Dallas scored his first goal of the 2019–20 season in a 3–0 win over Stoke City.[71][72] In September 2019, Dallas signed a new four-year contract extension with Leeds.[73] He found himself one of the first names on the first team sheet, being ever present for the first half of the season, playing in a range of positions, including left-back, right-back and central midfield after injuries to Adam Forshaw, Jamie Shackleton, Tyler Roberts and Pablo Hernández.[74] After the English professional football season was paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was recovered in June, where Dallas earned promotion with Leeds to the Premier League as EFL Championship champions.[75] After scoring five goals in 46 appearances for Leeds across the 2019–20 season,[71] he won Leeds' Players' Player of the Season award.[76]

Dallas made his Premier League debut in the first match of the season against Liverpool on 12 September 2020, starting in the 4–3 defeat at Anfield to the reigning champions.[77][78] He scored his first Premier League goal on 2 November 2020 in a 4–1 home defeat to Leicester City after his cross "flew over everybody in the box and into Schmeichel's net".[79][80] Dallas made his 200th appearance for the club on 22 November 2020 in a 0–0 draw with Arsenal.[81][82] On 10 April 2021, he scored both goals as Leeds won 2–1 away at Manchester City despite playing the second-half with ten players following a red card for Liam Cooper.[83] Manager Bielsa praised his performance, stating that it gave him "great happiness" because his game is based on "a lot of generosity" adding that "this year has allowed Dallas to show a part of himself that we didn’t know he had."[84] Dallas scored eight goals in 38 appearances,[80] and was awarded Leeds' Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Goal of the Season (his second against Manchester City in April) awards.[85] In July 2021, he signed a new three-year contract with the club.[86]

Dallas scored his only goal of the 2021–22 season on 2 January 2022 in a 3–1 victory over Burnley in the league.[87] On 30 April 2022, Dallas suffered a serious knee injury in a clash with Manchester City's Jack Grealish. It was later confirmed that Dallas had suffered a femoral fracture and underwent surgery in London, an injury that subsequently kept him out for the entire 2022–23 campaign, during which Leeds suffered relegation to the Championship.[88]

Despite returning to team training in September 2023,[89] Dallas was still in recovery, and would also miss the entirety of the 2023–24 campaign in the EFL Championship.[90]

On 10 April 2024, Dallas announced his retirement from professional football following his 2-year long battle with injury, stating that he "must now accept the fact [his] knee suffered irreparable damage".[90][91] Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill stated that Dallas had "maximized everything from his career".[92] He made over 400 appearances for club and country across 17 years as a footballer.

International career

[edit]
Dallas playing for Northern Ireland in 2019

Due to his form for Crusaders early in the 2010–11 season, Dallas (along with team-mates Chris Keenan, Martin Donnelly and Jordan Owens) received a call-up to the Northern Ireland U23 squad for an International Challenge Trophy match versus Portugal U23 on 12 October 2010. He played the full 90 minutes of the 2–0 defeat.[93] At the end of the 2010–11 season, along with teammates Colin Coates and Jordan Owens, Dallas received a call-up to the full Northern Ireland squad for 2011 Nations Cup games against Republic of Ireland and Wales.[94] He made his debut against Wales in Dublin, coming on in the 63rd minute for Craig Cathcart.[95] Early in the 2011–12 season, Dallas received a call into the Under-21 side for a 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match against Denmark on 6 September 2011. He played 65 minutes of the 3–0 defeat, before being substituted for future Brentford teammate Will Grigg.[96]

A run of starts for Brentford since January 2015 saw Dallas called up for matches versus Scotland and Finland in late March 2015.[42][97] He won his first full international cap in nearly four years against Scotland on 25 March, playing the full 90 minutes of a 1–0 defeat.[98] On 31 May 2015, Dallas combined with Will Grigg to score his first ever international goal in a 1–1 draw with Qatar at Gresty Road (Crewe, England).[99]

On 8 October 2015, Northern Ireland qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 in France, beating Greece 3–1. It was the first time in 30 years that Northern Ireland had qualified for a major tournament, with Dallas playing a crucial role in qualifying. On 18 May 2016, Dallas was selected as part of the provisional 27-man squad for the Euro 2016 competition,[100] and ten days later was named in the final 23-man squad.[56] Dallas came on as a half time substitute for Paddy McNair in Northern Ireland's 1–0 loss in their opening UEFA Euro 2016 game against Poland on 12 June 2016.[101] On 16 June, he started in their 2–0 victory over Ukraine and his parried shot fell to Niall McGinn to score Northern Ireland's second goal in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.[102]

On 10 June 2017, Dallas scored the winner for Northern Ireland in their 1–0 2018 World Cup qualifying victory against Azerbaijan.[103] Dallas played 8 times in World Cup qualification Group C as Northern Ireland finished 2nd in the group and progressed to the second qualification round.[10] Dallas started both legs of the two-legged tie against Switzerland as Northern Ireland lost 1–0 on aggregate and missed out on qualification to the World Cup.[10]

Dallas played 9 times in Euro 2020 qualifying Group C as they failed to qualify for the tournament, losing to Slovakia after extra time in the Path B play-off final.[10]

Style of play

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Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Dallas was also noted for his versatility, being able to play as a full-back or winger on either side of the pitch or as a central midfielder and having once played in five positions in the same match for Northern Ireland.[104][105] Former Leeds manager David O'Leary stated that "the big thing about him is the way he is adaptable to so many positions and, when he has to play in all those different positions, he doesn't let the side down in any way".[105] He was often described as a utility player, with Darren Bent describing him as "probably the best utility man in history".[106] Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter stated that "he could play left-wing, right-wing, centre-forward or the number 10. People have had him playing left-back and right-back but any position works for him because of his great athleticism to get around the park and his brain."[8]

Personal life

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Dallas is the younger brother of fellow footballer Marcus Dallas, who played for Loughgall.[5] After getting engaged in 2013, Dallas married his long-term partner Juneve Lamont in June 2016, having been in a relationship with her from the age of 16 when they both attended Cookstown High School.[107] He and his wife have three children.[108]

Career statistics

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Club

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Crusaders 2010–11[10] IFA Premiership 35 16 0 0 3 0 0 0 38 16
2011–12[10] IFA Premiership 32 8 4 0 4 2 7[c] 0 47 10
Total 67 24 4 0 7 2 7 0 85 26
Brentford 2012–13[19] League One 7 0 3 0 0 0 1[d] 0 11 0
2013–14[22] League One 18 2 0 0 2 0 1[d] 0 21 2
2014–15[45] Championship 38 6 1 0 2 2 2[e] 0 43 8
Total 63 8 4 0 4 2 4 0 75 10
Northampton Town (loan) 2013–14[22] League Two 12 3 12 3
Leeds United 2015–16[55] Championship 45 5 3 0 1 0 49 5
2016–17[59] Championship 31 2 2 1 2 0 35 3
2017–18[64] Championship 29 2 0 0 3 0 32 2
2018–19[69] Championship 26 2 0 0 1 0 2[e] 2 29 4
2019–20[71] Championship 45 5 1 0 0 0 46 5
2020–21[80] Premier League 38 8 0 0 0 0 38 8
2021–22[109] Premier League 34 1 1 0 2 0 37 1
2022–23[110] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023–24[111] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 249 25 7 1 9 0 2 2 266 28
Career total 390 60 15 1 20 4 13 2 438 67

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[112]
National team Year Apps Goals
Northern Ireland 2011 1 0
2015 9 1
2016 9 0
2017 9 1
2018 8 1
2019 5 0
2020 8 0
2021 8 0
2022 2 0
Total 62 3
Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Dallas goal.[112]
List of international goals scored by Stuart Dallas
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 31 May 2015 Gresty Road, Crewe, England 4  Qatar 1–0 1–1 Friendly
2 10 June 2017 Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan 22  Azerbaijan 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 11 September 2018 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland 32  Israel 2–0 3–0 Friendly

Honours

[edit]

Crusaders

Leeds United

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Stuart Dallas (born 19 April 1991) is a Northern Irish former professional footballer who played as a versatile defender, midfielder, or winger, most notably for Leeds United and the Northern Ireland national team. Born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, he began his senior career with Coagh United before joining Crusaders in 2010, where he made 71 appearances and helped them win the 2011–12 NIFL Premiership title before transferring to Brentford in the English Football League in 2012. During his time at Brentford, Dallas featured in 75 matches across League One and the Championship, including a loan spell at Northampton Town, establishing himself as a reliable utility player capable of operating on either flank. In 2015, Dallas joined Leeds United for an initial fee of around £1 million, where he became a key figure under managers including , contributing to their promotion to the in 2020 after a 16-year absence. Over his tenure at Leeds, he made 266 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing assists in both defensive and attacking roles, while earning praise for his work ethic and adaptability. Internationally, Dallas represented 62 times between 2011 and 2022, scoring three goals and participating in major tournaments such as , where the team reached the last 16. Dallas's career was prematurely ended by a severe injury sustained in a match against Manchester City in April 2022, which resulted in a compound fracture and damage, sidelining him for over two years and ultimately forcing his at age 32 on 10 April 2024. In his farewell statement, he reflected on a journey from to the top flight, expressing gratitude to United and for the opportunities that defined his professional life. In September 2025, he was appointed as a club for United.

Early life

Childhood and education

Stuart Dallas was born on 19 April 1991 in , a market town in , . Growing up in a close-knit family in this rural community, he developed a strong sense of discipline and humility that would later define his character. His older brother, Marcus Dallas, shared a similar passion for sports, and the siblings often engaged in local activities together, fostering a supportive sibling dynamic amid the town's modest, working-class environment. Their father, Alan, provided steady guidance, emphasizing the value of hard work in a region known for its agricultural and industrial heritage. Dallas received his early education at Cookstown Primary School, where he immersed himself in the typical community-oriented activities of a small Northern Irish town, including school events that built his social skills and local ties. He later attended Cookstown High School, a local institution that played a key role in his formative years by integrating academic pursuits with extracurricular opportunities reflective of the area's tight community fabric. At the high school, he met his future wife, Juneve, during their teenage years, highlighting how education intertwined with personal relationships in the insular setting of Cookstown. Before fully committing to organized sports, Dallas demonstrated a robust through early employment, working part-time as a joiner in the around his hometown. This manual labor role, common in Cookstown's economy, instilled resilience and a grounded perspective, shaping his approach to challenges in later endeavors. His non-athletic interests during this period were modest, centered on family and community life rather than formal hobbies, which further reinforced the values of perseverance drawn from his Northern Irish upbringing.

Early football involvement

Stuart Dallas's introduction to organized football came through local youth setups in his hometown of Cookstown, Northern Ireland, where he joined Cookstown Youth as a young player. By the ages of 13 and 14, he was already gaining exposure to senior-level training by participating in sessions with nearby amateur club Coagh United, demonstrating early promise in a competitive local environment. Dallas transitioned from school and youth football to semi-professional play upon making his senior debut for Coagh United in 2007 at the age of 16, marking his entry into the Ballymena & Provincial Football League. Balancing his burgeoning football career with everyday life, he worked part-time as a joiner in Cookstown, underscoring the non-professional nature of his early development under coaches like Stephen Uprichard and Noel Mitchell at Coagh. His initial motivations stemmed from a lifelong passion for the , as Dallas later reflected that growing up in , "all I ever wanted was to play professional football." This drive was shaped by Northern Ireland's grassroots football scene, where amateur clubs like Coagh provided essential platforms for talent from rural areas, fostering resilience and skill in a part-time framework before his move to full-time opportunities with Crusaders in 2010.

Club career

Coagh United and Crusaders

Dallas began his senior club career with Coagh United in 2007, joining the club in the while balancing football with part-time work as a joiner. At just 16 years old, he made his debut for the Cookstown-based side, quickly establishing himself in the setup over the next three seasons. In January 2010, after impressing their manager Stephen Baxter during a cup match between Coagh United and Crusaders, Dallas agreed to transfer to Crusaders of the , joining the club in the summer of 2010. In his debut season of 2010–11, he adapted swiftly to the top flight, scoring 16 goals in 13 league appearances and playing primarily as a forward. His contributions were pivotal in Crusaders' strong campaign, where the team mounted a serious title challenge by finishing second in the Premiership and reaching the final, though they lost 2–1 to Linfield. Dallas continued to shine in the 2011–12 season, helping Crusaders secure the League Cup and Setanta Sports Cup before his departure midway through the year. His rapid ascent culminated in the 2010–11 season when he was awarded both the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, recognizing his breakout impact at the semi-professional level. These honors underscored his emergence as one of 's most promising talents, paving the way for a professional move to in January 2012.

Brentford

Dallas signed for Brentford from Northern Irish club Crusaders in the summer of 2012 on an undisclosed fee, marking his transition to professional football in England. Initially, he struggled to secure regular starting positions in the League One side, making just 10 league appearances without scoring during the 2012–13 season. To gain more playing time, Dallas joined League Two club Northampton Town on a one-month loan on 5 October 2013, which was later extended until 1 January 2014. During his spell with the Cobblers, he made 12 appearances and scored 3 goals, providing valuable experience in competitive matches. Upon returning to Brentford in January 2014, Dallas established himself as a key squad member. In the latter half of the 2013–14 season, Dallas featured in 28 league matches for , contributing 2 goals as the team mounted a strong promotion challenge. He continued as a regular the following year, appearing in 37 league games and netting 7 goals during the 2014–15 campaign, accumulating over 60 league outings across his time at the club. His versatility on the flanks and growing influence helped solidify Brentford's midfield options. Dallas played a significant role in Brentford's automatic promotion to the at the end of the 2013–14 League One season, where the team finished second with 94 points. His contributions included timely goals and assists that supported the promotion push, such as his involvement in key victories that boosted the side's momentum. In 2015, Dallas transferred to Leeds United for an undisclosed fee.

Leeds United

Dallas joined Leeds United from Brentford in August 2015 for a reported fee of £1.3 million, signing a three-year contract and initially deployed as a winger. He made his debut in a 1–1 Championship draw against Burnley later that month. Over the following seasons, Dallas adapted to various roles under a succession of managers, including Garry Monk, Thomas Christiansen, and Paul Heckingbottom, often featuring as a midfielder or forward amid the club's inconsistent Championship campaigns. His versatility became more pronounced after Marcelo Bielsa's appointment in June 2018, where he transitioned into a utility player capable of covering full-back, wing-back, and central midfield positions, earning praise for his tactical intelligence and endurance. Dallas played a crucial role in Leeds' 2019–20 title win and promotion to the , making 45 appearances with 5 goals and 3 assists while starting nearly every match. In the subsequent seasons, he continued as a mainstay under Bielsa, appearing in all 38 league games during 2020–21 and scoring 8 goals, which earned him the club's Player of the Season award. His form carried into 2021–22, but in April 2022, he suffered a severe in a 4–0 defeat to Manchester City after a collision with , requiring surgery and sidelining him for nearly two years.

International career

Debut and early appearances

Dallas received his first call-up to a senior squad in May 2011 under manager , following strong performances with Crusaders in the Irish League. He made his debut on 27 May 2011 against in the Carling Nations Cup at the in , entering as a 63rd-minute substitute for in a 2–0 defeat. Dallas's early senior international appearances were sporadic, with just one cap in and none in 2012–14 as he adapted to professional football at in England's League One. This limited involvement included the Nations Cup friendly, highlighting his emergence from non-league roots but also the challenges of breaking into the senior setup during that period. Under Michael O'Neill, who succeeded Worthington in August , Dallas gradually built a more regular squad role starting in early 2015, earning consistent selections for friendlies and qualifiers despite his club transition to United that summer. By the end of 2015, he had accumulated 10 senior caps. On 31 May 2015, he marked his growing prominence by scoring his first international goal, a first-half strike that gave a temporary lead in a 1–1 friendly draw with Qatar at Windsor Park. These foundational experiences paved the way for his inclusion in the squad.

Major tournaments and highlights

Dallas was selected for Northern Ireland's squad for , their first major tournament appearance in 30 years. He featured in all four matches, starting in the group stage games against , , and the round-of-16 clash with , where he earned a yellow card for a challenge on . Dallas contributed defensively and in attack, including a shot on target during the 2-0 victory over that secured progression from . His performances helped Northern Ireland reach the knockout stages for the first time since the 1958 World Cup, advancing past the group phase with draws against and alongside the win over . In the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Dallas played a pivotal role in key matches, including scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against on 10 June 2017. His 92nd-minute strike, assisted by , came from close range after a cleared corner and proved decisive in maintaining Northern Ireland's qualification hopes, marking his first competitive international goal. Despite strong showings, including in the playoff defeat to , the team ultimately fell short of reaching the finals. Dallas scored his third international goal on 11 2018, heading in a cross from during a 3–0 friendly victory over at . Dallas continued to feature prominently in the during its inaugural 2018-19 edition and the 2020-21 campaign, providing versatility across defensive and midfield roles while contributing to competitive results against teams like and . He also participated in the campaign, playing in several group matches such as the goalless draw with the , though were eliminated in the playoffs by in November 2020. By his international retirement in 2022, Dallas had amassed 62 caps and scored three goals for . Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill frequently praised Dallas for his adaptability, describing him as "versatile" and valuing his ability to excel in multiple positions, including right-back, left-back, and midfield, which made him indispensable in various tactical setups.

Retirement

Injury and retirement announcement

On 30 April 2022, during Leeds United's 3–0 defeat to Manchester City at , Dallas suffered a serious in his right leg following a challenge from . The injury necessitated immediate surgery and several subsequent operations over the following months to address complications, including damage to his . Dallas embarked on a rigorous two-year rehabilitation program at Leeds United's Thorp Arch training ground, supported by the club's medical staff, including head physiotherapist Henry McStay, and specialist surgeons in London. He returned to partial first-team training in September 2023 after 18 months sidelined, but ongoing issues prevented a full recovery, with his involvement limited to training sessions during the 2023–24 campaign. Despite these efforts, Dallas was unable to achieve the physical condition required for competitive professional football. On 10 April 2024, aged 32, Dallas formally announced his retirement from professional football, stating that the injury had caused "irreparable damage" to his knee. In a heartfelt statement, he reflected on fulfilling his childhood dream of playing professionally, originating from , , and expressed profound gratitude to his wife Junéve and family for their unwavering support, as well as to teammates like , managers and Michael O'Neill, the Leeds United medical team, and fans of both club and country. "Leeds United is now well and truly in my blood," he wrote, adding that experiences like playing before the "Green and White Army" at for were "unforgettable."

Post-retirement role

Following his retirement in April 2024, Stuart Dallas was inducted into the Malcolm Brodie Hall of Fame by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association on 4 May 2025, recognizing his contributions to Northern Irish football, including 62 international caps and earlier accolades such as NIFWA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in 2011 while at Crusaders. Dallas described the honor as "an honour to return... to join the Hall of Fame," highlighting his legacy alongside fellow inductee Steven Davis. In a July 2025 interview, Dallas reflected on his career, stating he felt "very, very comfortable" with his decision and did not miss professional football, emphasizing instead the value of time with his family after achieving significant milestones like Leeds United's 2020 promotion. He noted, "I’ll be totally honest with you, I don’t miss any of it... Because of the age I was and I knew that I couldn’t physically play at that level," underscoring a sense of peace with his playing days behind him. On 12 September 2025, Leeds United appointed Dallas as a club ambassador, a role involving attendance at matches, community engagement initiatives, club events, and mentoring young players at the . This position allows him to maintain close ties with the club where he made 266 appearances and became a fan favorite for his versatility and commitment. Dallas has explored potential paths in coaching and media post-retirement. In April 2025, he expressed interest in but indicated it was on the back burner due to other commitments, while in October 2025, he launched the Football in to develop young players of all abilities. Additionally, he has taken on media roles, including punditry for in October 2025 and coverage in September 2025, providing analysis on matches and transfers. As of November 2025, he continued providing punditry, including analysis on transfers for outlets like .

Playing style

Versatility and key attributes

Stuart Dallas is renowned for his exceptional energy, fitness levels, and work rate, which allowed him to consistently deliver full 90-minute performances across multiple seasons at Leeds United. His remarkable stamina made him a cornerstone of Marcelo Bielsa's demanding tactical setup, embodying the high-intensity demands of the coach's front-foot, high-pressing style. A key defensive attribute was his strong tackling ability, exemplified by recording 75 tackles during the 2020–21 Premier League season, contributing significantly to ' pressing game. Dallas employed a simple yet effective passing style, often using both feet to receive the ball under pressure and distribute forward quickly, aligning seamlessly with Bielsa's emphasis on rapid transitions. His preference for efficient ball reception—favoring half-turns to scan the field—and minimizing touches enabled swift decision-making, reducing errors in high-stakes moments. Bielsa frequently praised Dallas for his reliability and adaptability within the high-pressing system, highlighting his versatility in filling various roles on the pitch without compromising performance. This dependability earned him accolades as one of the most trusted players in the squad, capable of maintaining intensity throughout matches.

Tactical roles

Dallas began his professional career as a left winger for Crusaders in the , where his pace and crossing ability were key assets in providing width on the flank. At in the , he continued in a similar role, starting 23 league matches during the 2014–15 season and contributing six goals and two assists while operating primarily on the left wing to support attacks. This positional foundation emphasized his early development as an offensive-minded player focused on delivering balls into the box. Under at Leeds United, Dallas evolved into a left-back, adapting his winger's instincts to a more defensive yet attacking role that involved overlapping runs and defensive solidity. His versatility allowed him to deploy effectively on the right side as a full-back or winger, or centrally as a box-to-box , showcasing adaptability across multiple positions. A notable example of this flexibility came in a 2016 match, where he played five different positions over 90 minutes and excelled in each. In Leeds' preferred 4-1-4-1 formation, Dallas often provided essential width from the left-back position, enabling fluid transitions and supporting the midfield diamond. During the season, he delivered 101 crosses and created 31 chances, underscoring his impact in chance creation and service from wide areas. His energy further facilitated quick role switches during matches, maintaining defensive structure while contributing offensively. Internationally, Dallas demonstrated similar adaptability for , frequently operating as a wing-back in Michael O'Neill's tactical setups, which balanced defensive duties with forward surges to exploit flanks. This role leveraged his crossing prowess and positional awareness, allowing him to shift between wing-back and central midfield as needed in various formations.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Stuart Dallas has been in a long-term relationship with Juneve Lamont since they were 16 years old, having met as pupils at Cookstown High School in . The couple married on June 3, 2016, at the Independent Methodist Church in , shortly before Dallas represented at , where Lamont attended matches in support. Dallas and Lamont have three children: daughter Pixie, born in October 2011; son Xavie, born in May 2017; and son Rexie, born in August 2018. The latter two were born during Dallas's time at Leeds United, where his family provided crucial emotional support amid the demands of professional football, including the club's successful season. The family played a pivotal role in Dallas's relocation from to in 2012, adapting to life in and later while maintaining close ties to their roots. Following Dallas's severe leg injury in April 2022, which ultimately led to his , his wife and children offered steadfast support during his prolonged rehabilitation, helping him navigate the physical and emotional challenges. Dallas is the younger brother of Marcus Dallas, a former footballer who played for clubs including Loughgall and has expressed pride in his sibling's career achievements, reflecting the supportive dynamics within their family.

Interests and philanthropy

In October 2021, during an international break for , Dallas suffered the sudden loss of one of his closest friends to complications, an event compounded by his own contraction of the virus shortly thereafter. This dual tragedy profoundly affected his , leading him to miss his friend's and prompting him to speak openly about the emotional toll, emphasizing the importance of discussing struggles within football. Dallas later reflected that the experience, while devastating, highlighted the human side of players and encouraged greater support networks among teammates and staff. Dallas has demonstrated a commitment to through personal acts of kindness and initiatives rooted in his Northern Irish heritage. In July 2016, while on his honeymoon in with his wife Juneve, the couple encountered a homeless man and invited him into a nearby store, purchasing clothes, food, and essentials for him—an gesture widely praised as a heartfelt display of during a celebratory time. More recently, in October 2025, Dallas launched the Dallas Football Academy in his hometown of , Co. Tyrone, aiming to provide inclusive training opportunities for children and young people of all abilities, inspired by his own grassroots beginnings in the area. The academy focuses on fostering development through football while building ties, reflecting Dallas's desire to give back to the region that shaped him. Post-retirement, Dallas has expressed a deep interest in prioritizing family time, cherishing moments with his wife and three children after years of demanding professional commitments. He maintains strong connections to his local Northern Irish community, often highlighting the support from residents and crediting his upbringing there for instilling values of humility and resilience. These ties influence his current pursuits, including the academy, where he aims to create pathways for local youth similar to those he pursued. Dallas's early career as a part-time joiner while playing for Coagh United instilled a strong that he credits for his professional success and ongoing approach to life balance. Having balanced manual labor with football training in his late teens, he has reflected that this period taught him discipline and perseverance, lessons that now guide his post-retirement focus on meaningful, sustainable engagements rather than constant high-pressure activity.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Stuart Dallas amassed 424 appearances and scored 64 goals across all club competitions during his professional career, which concluded with his in 2024. Note that these figures exclude his approximate 12 amateur appearances and 3 goals for Coagh United prior to turning professional. His club journey began at the amateur level with Coagh United, where limited official records indicate approximately 12 appearances and 3 goals. He then joined Crusaders in the , making 85 appearances and scoring 26 goals, primarily in the along with and European qualifiers. Dallas moved to with in 2012, where he recorded 75 appearances and 9 goals, including a loan spell at Northampton Town in League Two (12 appearances, 3 goals). His contributions at spanned League One (25 appearances, 1 goal) and the (38 appearances, 6 goals), plus limited cup outings. The bulk of his career was spent at United from 2015 to 2024, yielding 266 appearances and 28 goals for the club. These included significant tallies in the (177 appearances, 16 goals) and (72 appearances, 9 goals), alongside 24 cup appearances with 3 goals. Dallas made no appearances for in the 2023–24 season following a severe injury in April 2022, which ultimately forced his retirement due to irreparable damage. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by major club (professional totals excluding Coagh United):
ClubAppearancesGoals
Northampton Town (loan)123
Crusaders8526
Brentford759
Leeds United26628
Total43866
By competition, Dallas's statistics highlight his prominence in English football's second tier and above (adjusted for official club figures; some NI cup details vary by source):
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
729
21522
League One251
6323
132
111
Other (cups, qualifiers)243
Total42361

International appearances and goals

Stuart Dallas made his debut for the Northern Ireland national team on 27 May 2011, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw against . Over the course of his international career, he earned 62 caps and scored 3 goals between 2011 and 2022, with his final appearance occurring on 29 March 2022 in a 0–1 friendly loss to . Initially featuring as a substitute, Dallas progressed to become a regular starter, particularly during Northern Ireland's qualification for and participation in , where his versatility contributed to the team's historic run to the round of 16. Dallas scored his first international goal on 31 May 2015 in a 1–1 friendly draw against , heading in an equalizer in the 76th minute. His second came on 10 2017, a last-gasp winner in the 93rd minute to secure a 1–0 victory over in a qualifier. The third and final goal arrived on 11 September 2018, when he netted in a 3–0 win against . The following table summarizes Dallas's appearances and goals by competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies151
FIFA World Cup qualifiers181
UEFA European Championship qualifiers120
121
50
Total623
These figures highlight Dallas's consistent involvement in qualifying campaigns and major tournaments, with over half of his caps coming from competitive fixtures.

Honours

Individual awards

Throughout his career, Stuart Dallas has received several individual accolades recognizing his contributions both domestically and internationally. Early in his professional journey with Crusaders, he was honored by the Football Writers' Association (NIFWA) with the Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards for the 2010–11 season, highlighting his breakout performances in the Irish Premier League. Later, Dallas's versatility and consistency at Leeds United earned him multiple club honors. He was named Players' Player of the Year in 2019–20, as voted by his teammates, following a pivotal role in the team's promotion campaign where he featured in 46 matches across various positions. The following season, in 2020–21, he repeated the achievement, securing the Players' Player of the Year award again alongside the Fans' Player of the Year, reflecting his popularity and impact during Leeds' return to the Premier League. That year, his stoppage-time winner in a 2–1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium also clinched him the Goal of the Season award, celebrated for its dramatic quality in a high-stakes match against the eventual champions. On the international stage, Dallas's leadership and performances for were acknowledged with the NIFWA International Personality of the Year award in 2020, awarded for his standout displays in the early part of the 2019–20 season, including key contributions during qualification campaigns. In recognition of his overall career achievements, including over 50 caps for and his role in their historic Euro 2016 qualification, Dallas was inducted into the Malcolm Brodie Hall of Fame in May 2025, joining fellow legend in the NIFWA honors.

Team achievements

During his tenure at Crusaders from 2008 to 2012, Stuart Dallas was part of the squad that achieved notable success in domestic competitions, including winning the Irish League Cup in 2012 after defeating 1–0 in the final. The team also secured the Cup in 2012, triumphing over Derry City 5–4 on penalties following a 2–2 draw. Additionally, Crusaders reached the final in the 2011–12 season, where they were defeated 4–1 by Linfield at . At , Dallas played a supporting role in the club's promotion from League One to the during the 2013–14 season, making 18 league appearances and scoring two goals as the team finished third and secured automatic promotion via the table. His contributions included starting six of the final seven league matches, helping Brentford clinch the necessary points for elevation to the second tier. Dallas became a pivotal figure at Leeds United, contributing significantly to the team's title win in the 2019–20 season under manager , which ended a 16-year absence from the . In the following campaign, he featured in every match, scoring eight goals, and helped Leeds achieve a respectable ninth-place finish with 59 points. With the Northern Ireland national team, Dallas was integral to the squad's historic run to the round of 16 at , marking the nation's first appearance at a major tournament since the 1986 World Cup and their best performance since reaching the quarter-finals at the 1958 World Cup. The team advanced from with five points before a 1–0 defeat to in the knockout stage. Dallas also played a key role in Northern Ireland's qualification for the play-offs, finishing second in with 19 points from 10 matches, including a crucial 2–0 victory over the .

References

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