Former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar dies at 21 after brain injury during Isthmian League match
Chichester City FC confirmed his death Thursday. The 21-year-old sophomore was injured Saturday during a match at Wingate & Finchley; league officials will observe a moment of silence and players will wear armbands.
Former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar has died at age 21 after sustaining a significant brain injury during a Saturday Isthmian League Premier Division match at Wingate & Finchley, Chichester City FC announced Thursday. The game was suspended following the injury.
Vigar, who joined Chichester City in August after spells with Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United, had been part of Arsenal’s system since age 14 and appeared for the Arsenal U-21 team in 2022.
In a statement issued via Chichester, Vigar’s family said he had been in an induced coma since the injury last Saturday, and that on Tuesday he underwent an operation to aid recovery. Although the procedure helped, the family said the injury proved too severe and he passed away Thursday morning: “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma,” the family said. “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.” The statement noted the outpouring of support from the sport as well.
Chichester’s game on Saturday against Lewes FC was postponed, and Isthmian League Premier Division officials said a minute of silence would be held before all games this weekend. Players will wear black armbands in Vigar’s honor. Hastings United also issued condolences, recalling Vigar’s time with the club and expressing heartbreak at his passing.
Vigar’s career began with Arsenal, which he joined at age 14. He later spent time with Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United before signing with Chichester City in August. The football community continues to mourn the loss of a young player who aspired to a long career in the sport.
The Isthmian League’s planned tributes reflect the broader football community’s response to the tragedy, as clubs and fans remember a player who dedicated himself to the game and to the clubs he served.