Former Arsenal academy prospect Billy Vigar has been placed in an induced coma after suffering a "significant brain injury” while turning out for his current club. The 21-year-old forward, who severed ties with the Gunners when leaving on a permanent basis in 2024, is now on the books of Isthmian League Premier Division side Chichester City.
Serious injury sustained by Vigar
Vigar was in action for Chichester, who compete in the seventh tier of English football on Saturday. It was during a match with Wingate & Finchley that he sustained the injury which required urgent medical attention.
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Chichester announced on Sunday that one of their players had suffered a “serious injury”, with it revealed on Monday that Vigar was the man in question. Their thoughts, and those of everyone across the wider football community, are now with the Worthing native.
Statement from Chichester City
A statement released by Chichester on social media read: “Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care receiving the best possible treatment. It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery. Love from the whole CCFC family Billy.”
Wingate & Finchley said in a message of their own: “Everyone at Wingate & Finchley continues to keep Billy, his loved ones and all at Chichester City in our thoughts. Wishing him strength on the fight to recovery.”
Vigar's career history
Vigar joined the youth ranks at Arsenal as a 14-year-old in December 2017. He made 22 appearances for their U18 side, scoring four times, and also represented the Gunners at U21 level. He left having taken in loan spells with Derby County’s U21 team, National League South side Eastbourne Borough, with Hastings United being joined before linking up with Chichester in August 2025.
