Leo Duru

Leonard Chibueze Duru (born January 12, 2005) is a professional soccer player who plays as a right-back for Major League Soccer side San Diego FC on loan from EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers. Born in England, he is a youth international for the United States.

Leo Duru

Personal information
Full name	Leonard Chibueze Duru
Date of birth	(2005-01-12) January 12, 2005 (age 20)
Place of birth	Manchester, England
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s)	Right-back
Team information
Current team	San Diego (on loan from Blackburn Rovers)
Number	3
Youth career
	Manchester United
2015–2024	Blackburn Rovers
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2024–	Blackburn Rovers	1	(0)
2025	→ Barrow (loan)	8	(1)
2025–	→ San Diego (loan)	1	(0)
International career‡
2024–	United States U20	3	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 10:58, 26 August 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals as of 14:49, October 14, 2024 (UTC)

Club career

Duru was part of the academy at Manchester United before joining Blackburn Rovers as a U10.^[1] On July 7, 2021, he signed a scholarship contract with Blackburn and was promoted to their U23s.^[2] He signed his first professional contract with the club for one year on May 25, 2023.^[3] On May 13, 2024, he extended his contract again until 2026 with an option for another year.^[4] He made his senior and professional debut with Blackburn in a 6–1 EFL Cup win over Stockport County on August 13, 2024.^[5]

On January 9, 2025, Duru joined League Two side Barrow on loan for the remainder of the season.^[6]

On 20 August 2025, Duru joined MLS side San Diego on loan.^[7] The loan deal was reported as running until December with an option to extend until June 2026.^[8]

International career

Born in England, Duru is eligible to play for England, Nigeria, and the United States.^[9] He is eligible for the United States via his American mother who is from Philadelphia.^[10] In October 2024, he was called up to the United States U20s for a set of friendlies.^[11]