Belgian football club Royal Antwerp announced on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the tragic death of 21-year-old Nigerian winger Victor Udoh, who previously played for the Southampton FC academy.
The young attacker moved from his hometown of Abuja to progress through the youth system at Royal Antwerp before later transferring to English football.
Officials from Royal Antwerp confirmed the news through a formal statement detailing his contributions to the squad during his time in Belgium.
“It is with great sadness that RAFC has learned of the death of former player Victor Udoh,” the club’s official statement said.
The Belgian team highlighted his breakout performances, noting that he scored 12 goals across 21 appearances for the Young Reds and made his senior squad debut against Charleroi.
“Victor landed at the Bosuil in the 2023/2024 season, where he managed to score twelve times in 21 games in his first season with the Young Reds,” the statement continued.
Udoh overall participated in 28 official fixtures for the organization before making his move to England.
“That season, he also made his official debut for the first team in the home game against Charleroi,” the statement added.
The organization expressed its deepest condolences to those who knew the young player during his football career.
“In total, Victor made 28 official appearances for The Great Old and provided two assists before making the switch to Southampton,” the statement noted.
The club extended its solidarity to the grieving family members during this unexpected loss.
“Our thoughts are with Victor’s family, friends and loved ones. We wish them a lot of strength, support and warmth in this particularly difficult period,” the statement read.
The Belgian outfit concluded its tribute with a final note of remembrance for their former winger.
“Rest in peace, Victor.”
Following his time in Belgium, Udoh spent six months at St Mary’s after arriving in January 2025, where he netted two goals in Premier League 2 for the under-21 team.
Southampton FC representatives released their own statement regarding the passing of their former academy player, who had left the English club by mutual consent in September before joining Czech lower league team Dynamo Ceske Budejovice.
“We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21,” the Saints statement added.
The Premier League side offered their sympathies to the individual’s family as authorities continue investigating the circumstances.
“The thoughts of everyone at Southampton Football Club go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” the Saints statement concluded.
The definitive cause of Udoh’s death remains unconfirmed by officials.