Leyton Orient’s greatest ever player had historic

The best player to don the Leyton Orient jersey is Laurie Cunningham, who also paved the way for racial equality in football.
Cunningam was a favourite among the Orient supporters because of his thrilling playing style, quickness, and unpredictable nature.
Cunningham moved to Real Madrid, where he won the La Liga championship, stunned Barcelona with a goal, and received a standing ovation.

Every Leyton Orient fan should know Laurie Cunningham’s name – he is the best player to have worn the famous red and white shirt.

He was a trailblazer in the fight for racial equality in football in addition to having an influence on the pitch.

Because of these factors, the statue honouring him is well-deserved and located in the Coronation Gardens close to the Gaughan Group Stadium.

But some O’s supporters—and supporters from all around the EFL, for that matter—might not know enough about the legend from London who once left his mark on the biggest rivalry in sport.

Laurie Cunningham at Leyton Orient

Cunningham, just eighteen, was turned down by Arsenal before signing with Orient in 1974.

He played in the Second Division for the next three seasons for the East London team.

His first campaign saw him score just once, but his next two saw him score eight goals and seven goals, respectively.

With Cunningham, it was never really about production; rather, he was respected for his dynamic approach to theatre.

The winger’s pace, cunning, and unpredictable play made him a fun player to watch, which is why O’s supporters loved him so much.

Before signing with West Bromwich Albion of the First Division, he made his final game for the team in March 1977, against Oldham Athletic, against whom he had previously made his debut.

Cunningham demonstrated his abilities not just in the top division at The Hawthorns but also in competition around Europe.

In eight UEFA Cup matches, the wide player netted four goals to help the Baggies defeat Valencia, Galatasaray, and Braga before falling to Red Star Belgrade in the quarterfinals.

Laurie Cunningham at Real Madrid

Cunningham became the first English player to play for Real Madrid when he moved to the Santiago Bernabéu as a result of his success with the O’s and Baggies.

Along with Juanito and Santillana, the 23-year-old formed an impressive forward three, with Vicente Del Bosque, Spain’s World Cup-winning head coach, positioned in midfield.

Laurie Cunningham’s El Clásico moment

Cunningham achieved a feat that only Ronaldinho has since matched – receiving a standing ovation from opposing fans after an El Clásico game.

The O’s icon put in such a magnificent performance in Madrid’s 2-0 victory on February 10, 1980, that the Barça fans felt obliged to show their appreciation, which is something that has happened rarely, if at all, before or since.

“Ovation for Magnificent Cunningham,” read the headline of Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo the next day.

Cunningham gave his all on the grandest stage, delivering a masterclass in dynamic wing play and helping Santillana with a defence-splitting through ball.

“His bursts, pace, and dribbling drove us insane. The renowned Barcelona centre back Migueli said, “He was electric, impressive.”

Nevertheless, if Leyton Orient hadn’t existed, the Black Pearl would not have received the praise it did at El Clásico.