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Billy Vigar, a promising 21-year-old forward and former Arsenal academy player, has died following a severe brain injury sustained during a match, his club Chichester City confirmed.
Billy Vigar’s passing marks a tragic end to a life and career full of potential. The injury occurred during an Isthmian League match between Chichester City and Wingate & Finchley. The game was abandoned after just 13 minutes. Vigar was rushed to hospital, placed into an induced coma, and underwent surgery in a move to save his life. Despite these efforts, he passed away on Thursday morning.
Vigar was born on October 22, 2003, in Worthing, England. He joined Arsenal’s academy in December 2017, signing a professional contract by 2022. He was known as a powerful and versatile forward who could also play on the wings when needed. His height was recorded at around 1.83 m, and his primary role was center-forward, though he had also operated as a wide attacker earlier in his youth development.
During the 2025/26 season for Chichester City, Vigar made 5 appearances, all of them starts, covering 450 minutes on the pitch. He scored 2 goals in that period, and he did not receive any yellow or red cards in those matches. His contributions helped the team during their campaign, and his potential was seen as growing in the non-league tiers.
Before his time at Chichester, he had spells at Hastings United and had loan assignments at Derby County’s under-21 side and Eastbourne Borough. He left Arsenal in 2024 without ever making a senior appearance for the Gunners, but he was admired at the youth level for his commitment and athletic ability. His youth career also included appearances in the U18 Premier League and for Arsenal’s youth squads.
Clubs, fans, and teammates have expressed shock and heartfelt condolences. Both Arsenal and Chichester City released statements mourning his loss, highlighting how much he was loved and how deeply the football community feels the tragedy. Chichester’s next match was postponed in acknowledgment of his death.
Vigar’s death adds to concerns over player safety, especially in lower leagues where resources for protective infrastructure and medical supervision may be more limited. The match was halted immediately after the injury, and the response from emergency services was swift, but it was ultimately not enough to prevent the worst outcome.
Though just 21, Vigar had built a reputation as a dedicated young player with the humility and hunger to grow. His legacy in the game will include not just what he achieved, but what he inspired in others. His family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
