Former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar has died after sustaining a “significant brain injury” during a Non League Premier match in England. He was 21.
His death was confirmed by his club, Chichester City, on Thursday.
“We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away,” the English Football Association said. “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time.”
“Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away,” the London club said in a statement.
Who was Billy Vigar?
Vigar, a forward, joined Arsenal’s academy in 2017 and signed as a professional in 2022. He was described as a “powerful and versatile forward.”
Vigar, who also played on loan for Derby County, was an active player for Chichester, a team in the Isthmian League Premier Division, a semi-professional league in the lower rungs of English football.
What exactly happened to Vigar?
Vigar was hurt early in a game at Wingate & Finchley FC on Saturday when he reportedly collided with a wall at the side of the field, sustaining a significant brain injury. The forward, who was playing for the English non-league team Chichester City, was placed in an induced coma.
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“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 (25th) morning,” his family said in a statement issued through Chichester.
“His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.”
Chichester’s scheduled game against Lewes on Saturday has been postponed.
The Isthmian League Premier Division further said that a minute of silence would be observed before all matches this weekend, and all players would wear black armbands.
(With inputs from The Associated Press)
Published on Sep 26, 2025
