Victor Udoh, Ex-Royal Antwerp and Southampton Player, Dies at 21

Southampton Mourn former academy player Victor Udoh, 21  

The Nigerian forward joined Southampton in January 2025 before moving to the Czech Republic last October. Clubs and fans have shared condolences with his family.

Former Southampton and Royal Antwerp forward Victor Udoh dies aged 21...

English Championship club Southampton led tributes after the death of former academy player Victor Udoh.

The 21-year-old Nigerian, who played for Czech second-tier side Dynamo Ceske Budejovice, died on Tuesday in Abuja while on holiday. He had just finished the 2025/26 season.

The cause of death has not been confirmed. Several media outlets reported speculation that it may have been due to food or alcohol poisoning.

After hearing the news, Southampton offered condolences to Udoh’s family.

“We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21. The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” the English side wrote in a statement.

Royal Antwerp, Udoh’s former Belgian club, also responded to the news. The club said: “With great dismay, RAFC has learned of the passing of former player Victor Udoh.”

“Our thoughts are with Victor’s family, friends, and loved ones. We wish them much strength, support, and warmth during this particularly difficult time. Rest in peace, Victor.”

Udoh was born in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He started at Hypebuzz before moving to Belgium to join Royal Antwerp’s youth setup.

We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21.

The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to Victor's loved ones at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/EiM0FKC64J

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 26, 2026

After standing out with the youth team, he was promoted to the senior squad and made his Belgian Pro League debut at 19. He played 28 games for the Reds but did not score.

His performances caught the attention of Southampton, who signed him in January 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year contract. He was assigned to the club’s development team.

Unable to break into Southampton’s first team, he left by mutual consent in October 2025. He then joined Czech second division side Dynamo Ceske Budejovice on a three-year deal running until 2028.