Former Arsenal striker Billy Vigar has died aged 21 after sustaining a “significant brain injury” while playing for Chichester City last weekend.
Vigar was put into an induced coma after being injured in Saturday’s Isthmian League Premier Division match against Wingate and Finchley, leading to the game’s abandonment after 13 minutes.
“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 [September 25],” a statement from Vigar’s family read.
“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.”
His club said: “It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar. We request that his family’s privacy is respected at this most difficult time.”
Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy as a 14-year-old in 2017, before signing a professional contract in 2022. He was loaned to Derby and Eastbourne Borough before joining Hastings United in 2024. He linked up with Chichester at the start of this season.
“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is deeply sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Chichester City forward and former Arsenal academy player, Billy Vigar,” a statement from Arsenal read.
“Billy joined our academy on schoolboy terms aged 14, after being scouted at his home town club Hove Rivervale FC and excelled as a striker at Hale End, scoring 17 goals in his debut season.
“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 teammates and coaches alike.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time.”
