Football

Billy Vigar, Former Arsenal Striker, Dies at 21 After On-Field Injury

The club and his family confirmed the news on Thursday, triggering an outpouring of grief across the English game and beyond.
By 4 Mins Read
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Billy Vigar

In a heartbreaking turn for the footballing world, Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal youth prospect playing for Chichester City, has passed away at the age of 21 after suffering a catastrophic brain injury sustained during a match last Saturday. The club and his family confirmed the news on Thursday, triggering an outpouring of grief across the English game and beyond.

The incident occurred during Chichester City’s Isthmian League Premier Division fixture against Wingate & Finchley. According to available reports, the match was abandoned after only 13 minutes, when Vigar was badly hurt in an on-field collision involving a hard surface near the touchline, possibly a wall.

He was immediately attended by medical staff, airlifted to hospital, and placed in an induced coma. On Tuesday, he underwent surgery in a bid to salvage any chance of recovery, but tragically the injury proved too severe.

The club’s official statement, released via social media, read: “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. Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.”

The family’s statement, also published by the 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 (25th) 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.”

Tributes began to flow immediately. Arsenal, the club at which he developed much of his early promise, conveyed its shock and sympathy: “Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy.”

Derby County, one of his former loan destinations, also expressed sorrow: “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.”

The Football Association issued condolences, stating: “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.”

Vigar’s pathway through English football was one of promise and steady progression. He joined the Arsenal academy at the age of 14, in December 2017, and remained in that system for years before signing his first professional contract in July 2022.

While at Arsenal, he had loan spells with Derby County’s under-21 side and with Eastbourne Borough. In the summer of 2024, he departed Arsenal, joining Hastings United before later moving to Chichester City ahead of the 2025 season.

During his time at Chichester, he had made a handful of appearances, recording one goal, but had yet to fully settle into a prolonged run. Observers noted that Vigar was a “powerful and versatile forward,” capable of adapting his style to different attacking roles.

The news of his death has sent shockwaves through non-league football and beyond. Chichester City announced that their upcoming fixture against Lewes has been postponed, while the league scheduled a minute of silence across all matches this weekend and called for players to wear black armbands in memory.

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