Former Arsenal player dies of brain injury at 21

Former Arsenal academy forward Billy Vigar has died aged 21 after sustaining a brain injury during a non-league match.

Vigar was placed in an induced coma after an incident in the 13th minute of Chichester City’s Isthmian League Premier Division game against Wingate and Finchley on 20 September.

He underwent surgery on Tuesday to aid recovery but died on Thursday morning.

The match was abandoned after the incident, though details have not been confirmed.

A statement from his family said: “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put into 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.”

Arsenal said: “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.”

Vigar came through Arsenal’s academy, progressing from under-18 to under-21 level and signing his first professional contract in 2022.

He had loan spells at Derby County and Eastbourne Borough before leaving Arsenal permanently in 2024.

At the time of signing, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign my contract and I feel honoured to be in this position.

“I came into the academy game slightly later than other people so Arsenal is the only academy I’ve been at and they’ve always supported me and given me everything I needed.

“When I got offered the professional contract there was no doubt I was going to sign it.”