I'm sure this isn't correct , but it fits in with the clue. There was a Yorkshire cricketer of the 1880s called Louis Hall. Louis is a common name for a French King, and we have the Albert Hall.
I was wondering if French leader just meant F so are we looking for someone called Fred or Frank. Albert ? Prince Albert , Ashwell Prince, and I'm sure there was a singer called Albert Hammond , so that could be Wally Hammond. None of these really fit though.