Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal academy player, has died at the age of 21 following a “significant brain injury” sustained during a match.
The injury occurred while Vigar was playing for Chichester City in the seventh tier of English football against Wingate & Finchley on Saturday, 20 September. The game was subsequently suspended. Chichester later confirmed that Vigar had been placed in an induced coma and was receiving intensive care.
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, 25 September, the club confirmed Vigar’s death and shared words from his family:
“After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he underwent an operation to improve his chances of recovery. Although this initially helped, the injury proved too severe, and he passed away on Thursday 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 while he was playing the sport he loved.”
Chichester added: “Rest in peace, Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.” The club also confirmed that their scheduled Isthmian League Premier Division match against Lewes FC on Thursday was postponed.
Vigar joined Arsenal at the age of 14 and progressed through the youth system to the under-21 team, making four appearances. He had loan spells with Derby County’s under-21 side and National League South club Eastbourne Borough. After leaving Arsenal in July 2024, he played for Hastings United before signing for Chichester in August 2025.
Tributes have poured in from across English football, including from Hastings United:
“All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar. We will always remember his time with us fondly. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
