Billy Vigar 2003-2025

Former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar has sadly passed away at the age of 21.

Vigar suffered a brain injury while playing for Chichester City against Wingate & Finchley last weekend.

A product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, Vigar signed scholarship terms in 2020 and signed a professional contract in 2022.

The forward trained with the Arsenal first-team at the age of 16 and made 22 appearances for the U18s as well as featuring five times for the U21s.

Vigar, who was renowned for his work ethic and technique, had loan spells with Derby County’s U21 team and Eastbourne Borough.

He signed for Hastings United in 2024 before joining Chichester last month.

A statement from Vigar’s family read: ‘After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. 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 (25th) 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 whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.

Chichester wrote: ‘Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.’