Former Arsenal academy star Billy Vigar has died aged 21 after suffering a ‘significant brain injury’ during a match, plunging the football world into mourning.
Vigar was placed in an induced coma after suffering the horrific injury in a match at Wingate and Finchley on Saturday in 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 game against Lewes at the weekend, wrote on X on Thursday evening: ‘It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar.’ Separately, they said: ‘Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.’
Vigar was a product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, having initially joined on schoolboy terms aged 14. He signed scholarship terms in 2020, a professional contract in 2022, and was part of their under-21s set-up until last year. In 2024 he joined Hastings United and over the summer he joined non-league Step 3 side Chichester.
Arsenal wrote on their website: ‘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.
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.
