The football community is mourning the loss of former Arsenal academy standout Billy Vigar, who passed away at the age of 21 following a ‘significant brain injury’ sustained during a game.

Vigar was placed into an induced coma after experiencing the severe injury during a match against Wingate and Finchley, part of the Isthmian League Premier Division.

It is thought that he collided with a concrete wall while trying to keep the ball in play and he was later placed in a coma. 

Chichester City, who have postponed their scheduled match against Lewes, expressed their sorrow on X report on Thursday: ‘It is with deep sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to announce the passing of Billy Vigar.’ They added: ‘Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.’

Vigar came through the ranks of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, starting his journey at the age of 14 as a schoolboy. He secured a scholarship in 2020, a professional contract by 2022, and remained part of their under-21 team until the previous year. In 2024, he transitioned to Hastings United, later joining the non-league Step 3 squad at Chichester over the summer.

Arsenal shared on their website: ‘Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Chichester City forward and former Arsenal academy member, Billy Vigar.

‘Besides his exceptional talent, Billy will always be cherished for his passion for the sport, his pride in playing for our club – he once described the day our scouts noticed him as ’the most important of his life’ – and his character, loved by teammates and coaches alike.

‘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. 

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

A statement from his family read: ‘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. 

‘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.’ 

Reports from last weekend claim that the forward’s momentum saw his head make contact with the wall as his body turned after sliding to reach the ball.

Two days after the incident, Chichester released a statement on social media in which they updated supporters on the player’s worrying condition.

They wrote at the time: ‘It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery ahead. Love from the whole of the CCFC family Billy.’

Vigar graduated from Arsenal’s academy and went on to play for Derby County, Hastings United and Eastbourne Borough.

He had harboured hopes of reaching Arsenal’s first team, pointing to other academy graduates such as Bukayo Saka as inspiration.

Unfortunately doctors were unable to save Billy’s life. There have been calls on social media for non-league clubs to hold a minute’s silence this weekend in memory of the youngster from Worthing. 

Tributes have flooded in from across the football world, from Premier League sides to those playing in non-league and at the grassroots level. 

The Football Association wrote: ‘We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time.’

His former club Derby County wrote: ‘All at Derby County are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar. 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.’

And Eastbourne Borough said: ‘We are devasted to learn of the passing of former player Billy Vigar.

‘The 21-year-old played for The Sports on loan from Arsenal during the 2023/24 season, where he made 32 appearances for the club.

‘Both footballing and non-footballing club staff are shocked and deeply saddened of the news, and our thoughts are with Billy’s family at this terrible time.’

A Hastings spokesperson 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.’

Even clubs for whom Billy had not played chimed in with tributes and condolences. 

Brighton said: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion are with Billy’s family and friends, and everyone at Chichester City, at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Billy. 

Fulham commented: ‘This is such devastating news. Sending love and strength to Billy’s friends and family, as well as everyone at Chichester City. Rest in peace.’ 

Portsmouth wrote: ‘We are so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family, friends, and everyone at Chichester City at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Billy.’