Former Arsenal star suffers horrific skull injury during match

Young striker Billy Vigar, who came through Arsenal’s youth system, remains unconscious after a serious brain injury, leaving English football stunned and sending out messages of support for his healing.

English football received distressing news as 21-year-old striker Billy Vigar, an Arsenal academy graduate, was rushed to hospital and fell into a coma due to a severe brain injury.

The incident occurred during a match between Chichester City and Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division (equivalent to the 7th tier of English football) last Saturday. Vigar sustained a serious injury after a collision and was immediately taken to hospital. Chichester City confirmed he was placed in an induced coma so doctors could provide intensive treatment.

In an official statement, the club wrote: “Billy has suffered a serious brain injury and is currently in intensive care. It is too early to predict the outcome, but even in the best-case scenario, the recovery process will be lengthy. The entire Chichester City club stands with Billy during this difficult time.”

Wingate & Finchley, the opposing team in the match, also sent their support: “Our thoughts are with Billy, his family, and Chichester City. We wish him strength to fight and recover.” Messages of support quickly spread on social media, as many fans, players, and other clubs expressed their concern and hoped for a miracle for the young striker.

Billy Vigar was born in 2004 in Worthing and joined Arsenal’s academy at age 14. He played 22 games for the U18 team, scoring 4 goals, and also appeared for the U21s. During his career development, Vigar was loaned to Derby County U21, Eastbourne Borough, and Hastings United before signing with Chichester City in August 2025.

Although he couldn’t break into Arsenal’s first team, Vigar was regarded as a promising player with reliable finishing skills and a strong fighting spirit. This injury is a huge shock, not only for him and his family but also for the English football community, which is deeply concerned.

At just 21, Billy Vigar’s career had only just begun. Fans are praying for a miracle so he can overcome this setback, continue his unfinished journey, and one day return to the pitch.