Who was Billy Vigar? Former Arsenal Academy Player Dies at 21

The football world is mourning the loss of Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal academy striker, who tragically died at the age of 21 after suffering a serious brain injury in a non-league match. His current club, Chichester City, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Thursday morning.

Who is Billy Vigar? Early Life and Arsenal Career

Billy Vigar was born in 2003 in Worthing, West Sussex. He joined the Arsenal Youth Academy at the age of 14 and quickly stood out as a strong, determined forward. Arsenal described him as a player with “pace, strength, and attacking drive.”

He represented Arsenal at both U18 and U21 levels and in 2022 signed his first professional contract with the club. Although he did not break into Arsenal’s Premier League senior team, he gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Derby County’s U21s in the 2022–23 season.

Non-League Journey

To develop his career further, Vigar also played for Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United at the non-league level. In the summer of 2025, he made the move to Chichester City, a club competing in the seventh tier of English football.

The Tragic Incident

The fatal accident happened during an Isthmian League Premier Division match between Chichester City and Wingate & Finchley FC over the weekend. Vigar collided with a pitch-side wall early in the game, sustaining a traumatic brain injury.

He was immediately taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma. Despite undergoing surgery on Tuesday, Vigar passed away on September 25, 2025.

Tributes and Legacy

Fans, teammates, and clubs have expressed deep sorrow at his untimely passing. For many, Billy Vigar symbolized determination and resilience as he worked to rise through the ranks of English football.

His tragic death serves as a painful reminder of the risks athletes face in pursuit of their dreams.