David "Soldier" Wilson (also known as David Wood, David Wilson Wood, David Wood Wilson; 23 July 1883 – 27 October 1906) was an English professional footballer who played as a centre forward. Born in Musselburgh, he earned his nickname as a teenager while serving with the Cameron Highlanders and the 1st Battalion, Black Watch. He also served in South Africa during the Boer War.^[3] After drawing attention with strong performances for the Black Watch F.C., he turned professional with Raith Rovers and went on to play for 5 professional clubs. Frequently the victim of injury during his short career, in October 1906 he suffered a heart attack while playing for Leeds City, and died in the West Stand at Elland Road.

Wilson was born at Hamilton Place, Musselborough, on the 13th of July 1906, to parents from Hawick; David Wilson, a gardener, and his wife Margaret Wilson (née Hardie).^[1] Wilson was one of 5 children, and upon the death of his mother in 1885, he was sent to live with his maternal aunt Agnes Wood and her husband David in Leith.^[1]

Wilson began his footballing career in Scotland with Raith Rovers.^[4] He left the Army to play professional football with Scottish Football League Division One side Dundee^[5] and later had a spell with Edinburgh club Heart of Midlothian.^[6] At the start of the 1905–06 season, Wilson moved to England to join Football League Second Division side Hull City. After scoring three goals in ten league matches,^[7] he was signed by Leeds City for a transfer fee of £150. During his first season at Leeds Wilson made 15 league appearances and scored 13 goals, making him the club's top scorer in the 1905–06 campaign.^[3]

While playing for Leeds City against Burnley on 27 October 1906, Wilson left the pitch during the second half after suffering chest pains. When two of his teammates sustained injuries at the same time, he returned to the field of play against medical advice. However, he was unable to complete the match and had departed the pitch when Burnley inside forward Arthur Bell scored a late winner for the visitors. Wilson collapsed and had to be carried to the Leeds dressing room where he died despite efforts to resuscitate him. A subsequent post mortem found that Wilson had died from a heart attack.^[3][8]

• List of association footballers who died while playing