Football fans are currently mourning the tragic death of a young and upcoming football star named Billy Vigar who previously played in Arsenal’s academy, find out more about him and his death below
The former Arsenal striker died after suffering a head injury during an Isthmian League clash, causing the match to be abandoned within minutes.
Who is Billy Vigar as ex-Arsenal academy player dies of brain injury and what is his cause of death reason
It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar. Below is a statement from his family.
We request that his family's privacy is respected at this most difficult time. 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/Pl49bHcnBg
— Chichester City FC (@ChiCityFC) September 25, 2025
Vigar’s death has sent shockwaves throughout English football, with tributes pouring in from clubs, fans, and teammates.
Ex-Arsenal star Billy Vigar passes away
Chichester City have confirmed the tragic death of their forward Billy Vigar on Thursday morning. Vigar passed away just less than a week after his injury against Wingate & Finchley. Vigar suffered a strike on his head from a hard surface pitchside during the match, forcing the match to stop after 13 minutes. Following the incident, medical staff rushed to treat him before he was airlifted to the hospital. However, the damage proved irreversible, and he eventually succumbed to the injury. Vigar’s family released a statement confirming his death through Chichester City, thanking fans for their support:
“Although the operation helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away. The responses show how much Billy was loved within the sport. We are devastated this happened while he was playing the game he loved.”
Cause of death
Billy Vigar passed away after succumbing to the head trauma that he suffered on September 25, 2025 after a brain injury. Doctors had initially placed him in an induced coma following the injury and then operated on him to reduce pressure on his brain. Although the surgery initially gave his family and club some hope, the injury proved to be too severe.
The injury was sustained when he collided with a wall near the pitch and was put into an induced coma after being injured in Saturday’s Isthmian League Premier Division match against Wingate and Finchley.
“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,” Billy’s family said in a statement via Chichester City.
Another video of Billy Vigar has resurfaced online, showing him scoring yet another header. He truly was a talented baller. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/2XFXqaCGnz
— JHAYS MEDIA GLOBAL (@JHAYSMEDIAGLOB) September 25, 2025
Tributes and condolences
Chichester City FC stated:
“Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.” —
Meanwhile, Arsenal FC stated:
“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 ❤️”
Clubs across the leagues, including those from grassroots sides to Premier League outfits, have all shared their condolences.
Billy Vigar biography
Billy Vigar was a professional footballer born in Worthing, West Sussex, who developed a passion for the sport from a young age. He started out with Arsenal’s youth academy at age 14, before quickly becoming one of the brightest prospects in the setup. He was known for his sharp finishing and natural striker’s instinct, and managed to work his way through the ranks while balancing his studies and early football commitments.
Age and height
During the time of his death, Vigar was 21 years old and stood at a height of 6 feet.
Fallece el delantero inglés Billy Vigar (21), jugador del #ChichesterCity, tras golpearse la cabeza contra un muro de hormigón durante un partido. Fue canterano del @Arsenal hasta el año pasado. pic.twitter.com/wIvZKMspy1
— Mercatosphera (@mercatosphera) September 26, 2025
Career and stats
Billy Vigar signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in July 2022 and featured for the U21 squad. He then went on loan spells with Eastbourne and Derby County U21, where he gained valuable experience. However, Billy never broke into Arsenal’s senior team and eventually left in 2024 to pursue regular first-team football. He first joined Hastings United in the Non-League Premier before moving on to join Chichester City, where he last played until his tragic death.
Billy Vigar had an Instagram account with the handle @billy.vigar, where he has almost 5k followers and 9 posts.
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