Friday, September 26, 2025 - Former Arsenal striker Billy Vigar has di£d 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."
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