Police reveal they are looking for ex-Arsenal, QPR and Cardiff player in manhunt

Police are searching for former footballer Leon Jeanne. He played for Arsenal, QPR, and Cardiff. The 44-year-old has been recalled to prison by South Wales Police but has not been found. Police posted his photograph and name on social media, asking for information. The post included the hashtag #Wanted and details about his age and location. No further information was provided about why he is wanted. Jeanne was once a promising football talent but his career did not go as expected.
Jeanne played for Wales at the U-21 level but never made a senior appearance. His former teammate Jay Bothroyd said he was one of the most talented players he had ever seen. Bothroyd said Jeanne was at Arsenal with him and was an unbelievable player at a young age. However, Jeanne made bad choices and went off track.
Jeanne has had several legal troubles. In 2015, he was jailed for 30 months for plotting to supply cocaine. In 2017, he was involved in a fight that included a hammer and brick. This led to an eight-month jail sentence, a 12-month community order, and 180 hours of unpaid work. In 2019, he was convicted of dangerous driving. He was chased by police while driving at speeds of 100 mph. He swerved between cars and jumped out of his vehicle at a red light. His Volkswagen Golf was moving so fast that police could not read the number plate.
The police described Jeanne’s driving as aggressive. During the chase, he hit a Renault Clio from behind, causing £2,500 in damage. He then left his car and tried to escape on foot. Jeanne’s lawyer said he thought he was being chased by someone he was in a feud with. He claimed he drove away out of fear. Prosecutors revealed Jeanne had a history of driving offenses. He had been convicted of taking a vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
Jeanne admitted to dangerous driving. He received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to follow a 12-week curfew and given a two-year driving ban. He later broke the curfew and was sent back to prison. It is unclear if that was his most recent prison sentence or if he had another case after that. The reason he is currently wanted by police is not known. In 2023, Jeanne was seen outside a church while attending his son’s funeral. His son, Rafel, was one of three people killed in a car crash in Cardiff. Jeanne was allowed out of prison for the funeral. He wore a blue Nike tracksuit and was handcuffed to his probation officer.
Jeanne has spoken about his career and lifestyle in interviews. He appeared on the Central Club podcast while in HMP Parc, a private prison in Wales. He admitted that he skipped training sessions to party. He also lied to his coaches about his whereabouts. In one interview, he said his manager called and asked where he was. Jeanne said he was in Australia, but he was actually in Cardiff. He also said he once missed a call-up to the Wales senior team because he was partying. Jeanne revealed that he did not go to QPR for two years, but the club kept paying him. He said he spent that time partying in Cardiff. His former teammate Jay Bothroyd said Jeanne had the potential to be a great player but wasted his talent. Jeanne’s career could have been much more successful if he had been disciplined.
Jeanne’s football career started with Arsenal. He was considered a talented young player. He later moved to QPR and then Cardiff City. However, he never reached the level expected of him. His off-field issues affected his career. His former teammates and coaches were disappointed by his choices.
Despite his troubles, Jeanne had supporters who believed in his talent. Many people thought he could have played at the highest level. However, his actions led to multiple legal problems. His story is an example of wasted potential in football. The police have not provided details about why Jeanne is wanted now. They are asking the public for information. His case has received media attention because of his past football career. People are discussing how he went from being a promising player to a wanted man.
Jeanne’s legal troubles have followed him for years. He has been involved in drugs, violence, and dangerous driving. His past convictions show a pattern of poor decisions. Many football fans remember him as a player who could have had a great career. Instead, his life has been filled with legal problems.
The situation is still developing. South Wales Police continue their search. They are urging people to come forward with information. It is unclear what will happen next. Jeanne’s story is a reminder of how bad choices can affect a career. Jeanne’s past interviews show that he acknowledges some of his mistakes. However, his actions have continued to cause trouble. The police are now trying to bring him back to prison. The public is waiting for more updates on his case.
Jeanne’s football journey could have been different. If he had focused on his career, he might have been a top player. Instead, his story is one of missed opportunities. Many young footballers are warned about the dangers of bad decisions. Jeanne’s case is an example of how a promising career can be lost.
His former teammates still remember his talent. Jay Bothroyd said Jeanne was the best young player he had seen. However, talent alone is not enough. Discipline and hard work are also needed. Jeanne did not have the right mindset to succeed. Football clubs invest in young players, hoping they will become stars. Jeanne had the ability, but he did not make the most of it. His legal issues damaged his career. He could have played at a high level, but he made too many mistakes.
Now, instead of being known for football, Jeanne is known for his legal problems. His name is in the news again, but for the wrong reasons. The police are searching for him, and people are discussing his past. His story is one of regret and lost potential. Many people wonder what could have been. Jeanne had the skills to play in the Premier League. He could have been a star. Instead, his name is linked to crime and trouble. His life took a different path.
The police will continue looking for him. The public is watching to see what happens next. Jeanne’s story serves as a lesson for young athletes. Talent is not enough. Making the right choices is important. Jeanne did not make the right choices, and now he is facing the consequences.