Former Arsenal Striker Billy Vigar Dies At 21 After Suffering Brain Injury During Game

Former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar has died at the age of 21 following a severe head injury sustained during a match.

Billy Vigar, who was playing for Chichester City FC, was hurt in an Isthmian League Premier Division game against Wingate and Finchley on Saturday.

Reports suggest he collided with a concrete wall, though the club has not confirmed the exact cause of the injury.

His family released a statement on Thursday expressing their heartbreak, saying they were “devastated that this has happened while he was playing the sport he loved”.

“After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put into 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.

“The responses to the original update show how much Billy was loved and thought of within the sport.”

Born in Worthing, Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy at 14 after being spotted at his local club Hove Rivervale FC. He quickly impressed at Hale End, scoring 17 goals in his first season.

Despite an injury setback, he earned a scholarship in 2020, signed a professional contract in 2022, and went on to feature in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

Known for his versatility, he played across several attacking roles and even filled in at the back when needed.

Arsenal paid tribute, describing him as “quick, powerful and fiercely determined,” and remembered him as someone who loved the game deeply.

The club said, “Billy joined our academy on schoolboy terms aged 14, after being scouted at his hometown club Hove Rivervale FC and excelled as a striker at Hale End, scoring 17 goals in his debut season,” the club said.

“In 2020, his performances earned him a scholarship and joined us full-time for the 2020-21 season, his intake including current players Charles Sagoe Jr, Remy Mitchell and others such as Omari Hutchinson, Charlie Patino and Brook Norton-Cuffy.

“Quick, powerful and fiercely determined, his first season as a scholar was blighted by a serious hamstring injury, but he made up for it in his second, scoring four goals in 18 under-18 appearances and signed professional terms for the club at the end of that 2021-22 season.

“Billy went on to appear for us in the PL2 and EFL Trophy and proved to be an asset across the forward positions and even deputised in defence – his versatility illustrating his commitment to the coaching staff and his team.

“As well as his significant talent, Billy will always be remembered for his love of the game, pride at representing our football club – he once called the day he was spotted by our scouts as ‘the most important of his life’ – and a character beloved by team-mates and coaches alike.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Vigar also had loan spells at Derby County, Eastbourne Borough, and Hastings United.

Derby said they were “deeply saddened” by his passing, while Hastings called the news “devastating.”

“Billy spent the second half of the 2022-23 season with the academy on loan from Arsenal, making several appearances for the Under-21s.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

A spokesperson for Hastings said: “All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar.

“We will always remember Billy’s time at Hastings United with fondness. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family [and] friends at this time.”

Eastbourne, where he played 32 times last season, said: “Both footballing and non-footballing club staff are shocked and deeply saddened at the news, and our thoughts are with Billy’s family at this terrible time.”

The Football Association also shared condolences, extending sympathy to his family, friends, and everyone at Chichester City.

The statement reads: “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Chichester confirmed earlier on Thursday that their weekend fixture against Lewes had been postponed following Billy Vigar’s tragic death.

KanyiDaily had also reported how Nigerian footballer identified as Ado Bala Hadi slumped and died during a live match in Spain.