LONDON, United Kingdom — English club Southampton and Belgian side Royal Antwerp have paid tribute to Nigerian footballer Victor Udoh following his death at the age of 21.
Udoh, a left-winger who previously featured for Southampton’s academy side, reportedly died on Monday, prompting emotional tributes from his former clubs and the wider football community.
Okay News reports that Southampton described the development as devastating, extending condolences to the player’s family and loved ones during what the club called an extremely difficult period.
The Nigerian forward spent six months with Southampton’s academy after joining in February 2025, making eight appearances for the club’s Under-21 side in Premier League 2 and scoring two goals.
Before his move to England, Udoh progressed through the academy ranks at Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp, where he featured regularly for the club’s “Young Reds” team and later made appearances for the senior side.
Royal Antwerp also expressed sorrow over his passing, describing the news as deeply painful while offering support to his family, friends, and associates.
Following his departure from Southampton in September 2025, Udoh joined Czech second-division club Ceske Budejovice as he continued his professional career in Europe.
No official cause of death was immediately disclosed at the time of reporting.
