Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu is a driving force for the team, and he’s hoping he can play his part in creating some magic moments the supporters can enjoy.
What role has the Emirates FA Cup played in your season so far?
The FA Cup is always a special competition. Growing up in England, you understand its history, the memories of watching it with family, the famous upsets, and the unique atmosphere it brings. Even players coming from abroad quickly realise how important it is. At the start, you tend to focus on getting through each round, but as you progress, you naturally start to dream. That said, we’re not looking too far ahead. There’s still a very tough semi-final to play, and you need to perform consistently well to have any chance of winning the competition.
Is this your longest run in the competition as a player?
I was at Chelsea when they won the FA Cup, although I didn’t play – I was injured at the time. I did go to Wembley for the Final, so I’ve experienced that occasion, which was incredible. But being on the pitch and contributing directly would be something completely different. That would be a very special achievement, and hopefully something I can experience.
It’s been a long time since Leeds reached this stage. What does that mean for the club?
It’s massive. For a club like this to have waited so long for an FA Cup semi-final makes it even more meaningful. You could really feel that connection with the fans after we won the penalty shootout in the quarter-final – the celebrations together were incredible. To have the chance to go back to Wembley and share another moment like that with the fans is something we’re really excited about.
How will it feel to face your former club Chelsea?
I’m very grateful for my time at Chelsea. I learned a lot there, even though I spent time out on loan as well. For me, when you play against a former club, your focus is fully on your current team. There aren’t many players left from when I was there, so it feels quite different now. It’s about putting in a strong performance for Leeds and getting the result we want.
How would you describe this season so far?
It’s been challenging but rewarding. As a newly promoted team, you have to understand how tough the league is and what standards are required to stay in it. We’ve always believed we could compete, and while we’ve had difficult periods, we’ve also had strong performances. It’s about learning from setbacks and continuing to push forward.
Finally, how do you approach this FA Cup semi-final?
We know we have a real opportunity to do something special, but we’re not looking too far ahead. The focus has to be on the next game. There are still strong teams left in the competition, all with the same ambition. All four of us want to win it. For us, it’s about preparing properly, performing well, and giving ourselves the best possible chance.
Read the full interview with Ampadu in the official match programme for Sunday's game, available at Wembley or to order online.
Watch Chelsea v Leeds United on Sunday 26 April 2026 at 3pm BST on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max. Comprehensive radio coverage will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live, talkSPORT and the local BBC Radio outlets.
