Fulham FC, where he served as Head of Academy Recruitment for 16 years, announced his passing.
Elias started his career at Southampton before moving to Liverpool, where he played a key role in the early growth of talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold. He joined Fulham in 2009, continuing to discover and support promising players such as Harvey Elliott, who became the Premier League’s youngest debutant at Craven Cottage before transferring to Liverpool.
While at Southampton, Elias was also instrumental in nurturing future stars Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. His talent-spotting skills earned him widespread respect within football circles.
In a moving tribute, Fulham expressed their grief:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, following a brief illness.”
The club praised his outstanding ability to identify talent and honored his nearly 16 years of dedicated service, which began when he moved from Liverpool in July 2009. They also noted his Welsh roots and the strong bonds he formed with colleagues like Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley.
Elias leaves a lasting legacy through his role in shaping players such as Luke Harris, Jay Stansfield, Alexander-Arnold, Elliott, Bale, and Walcott. He was known as a kind and well-liked figure at the training ground.
Fulham offered their heartfelt sympathies to his wife Paula, to whom he was married for nearly 50 years, their sons Andrew and Daniel, his six grandchildren, and his extended family and friends.
Malcolm Elias’s impact on football and on the young players he guided will be remembered with deep respect and admiration
