The 21-year-old Chichester striker suffered a fatal brain injury during a League match on Saturday

English football is in mourning after the sudden death of Billy Vigar, the Chichester City forward and former Arsenal academy player, who has died aged just 21.

Vigar sustained what his club described as a “significant brain injury” during an Isthmian League match against Wingate & Finchley last Saturday. The game was abandoned after only 13 minutes as emergency teams treated him. He was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery on Tuesday in an attempt to aid his recovery. Despite those efforts, Chichester confirmed on Thursday morning that he had passed away.

In a statement, the seventh-tier club said: “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday morning.”

They added: “The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.”

The tragedy has rocked the non-league community, where Vigar had been quickly making an impression. Chichester announced that Saturday’s scheduled home fixture against Lewes has been postponed in light of the devastating news.

Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world. Arsenal, where Vigar spent much of his formative years, described him as “quick, powerful and fiercely determined.” In their message, the Premier League side reflected on the striker’s journey from being spotted at his local club Hove Rivervale FC to signing a professional contract at Hale End in 2022.

“Billy will always be remembered for his love of the game, pride at representing our football club, and a character beloved by teammates and coaches alike,” the club wrote. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Derby County, where Vigar spent part of the 2022–23 season on loan with their under-21 squad, also expressed their sadness: “All at Derby County are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar… The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Vigar’s career reflected his determination and versatility. Having joined Arsenal’s academy in 2017 at the age of 14, he went on to score 17 goals in his debut season at Hale End. His performances earned him a scholarship in 2020, and he featured in competitions including the PL2 and the EFL Trophy. Coaches praised his ability not only as a striker but also for filling defensive roles when required, underlining his commitment to his team.

After his time at Arsenal, Vigar moved on loan to Derby and later Eastbourne Borough before joining Hastings United in 2024. This summer, he signed for Chichester City, where he quickly became a valued part of the squad.

His death has left teammates, coaches, and fans reeling. For many, he was not just a talented player but a young man whose passion for football was evident from the very beginning. Arsenal noted that Vigar once called the day he was scouted “the most important of his life.”

For a career that had only just begun to unfold, the sudden loss of Billy Vigar is a stark reminder of both the fragility of life and the risks athletes face in the game they love. His family, club, and the wider football community now mourn a future full of promise, cut tragically short.