Callum McVeigh, a former player with Portadown FC, died after an accident on Wednesday.
He was 23 and from the Co Down area.
His current team, Killyleagh Youth Club from Amateur League 1B, said he would “forever remain in our thoughts”.
Mr McVeigh had only joined the club last month from Knockbreda FC.
The club said: “Although his time with us was far too short, he made a meaningful and lasting impression. He settled in immediately, showed great commitment, and earned the respect and friendship of teammates, management and committee alike.
“Callum’s final appearance for the club came on December 13, when he represented us in the Clarence Cup fixture against Clonduff — a moment we will now remember with great pride and sadness.”
The tribute added: “Callum will always be remembered as part of our club and will forever remain in our thoughts.”
The Co Down SuperCupNI team also paid tribute.
It said: “It was with extremely deep sadness that we heard of the tragic and untimely death of Callum McVeigh yesterday.
“Callum played for the county for the Under 14s back in 2018.
“A player with great talent who will be missed by so many far beyond football circles.
“Our love, thoughts and prayers today are with his family, friends and teammates, past and present, at this very sad and difficult time.”
DUP councillor Bradley Ferguson said the community was “heartbroken” by the news.
“A young lad taken far too soon who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” he said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his father Marcus, mother Lisa, brother Ethan, and the entire family circle at this devastating time.”
Equally adept at left-back or in midfield, Mr McVeigh played at youth level for Ridgeway Rovers, Glentoran and Linfield, as well as representing Co Down at the SuperCupNI and playing for Northern Ireland at schoolboy level.
He won the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day 2019, in a Linfield Swifts team that included current Northern Ireland internationals Trai Hume and Dale Taylor.
Callum McVeigh. Photo: Co Down SuperCup NI/Facebook
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Mr McVeigh joined Portadown in summer 2020, playing three league games for the Shamrock Park club as a series of injuries hampered his progression.
He signed for Championship club Ards in July 2022, where he featured in seven league fixtures.
The Downpatrick man signed for Premier Intermediate League outfit Knockbreda in January 2023, where he established himself as a first team regular, turning out 76 times for the third-tier club.
Last month, Mr McVeigh signed for Killyleagh, making his debut in a 4-1 loss to St Luke’s.