Victor Udoh, who spent seven months with Southampton last year, passed away in his native Nigeria, and the player played for Dynamo Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic before returning home at the end of the season.
Victor Udoh plays for Royal Antwerp (Image: ANP via Getty Images)
Former Southampton player Victor Udoh has died at the age of 21. The athlete’s death was reported to have occurred under “suspicious circumstances”, but the cause remains unknown.
Belgian news outlet Newsblad added that Udoh was found dead in Abuja, the capital of his native Nigeria. The 21-year-old joined Southampton in February 2025, but left the club just seven months into a three-and-a-half year contract.
Udoh went straight into Southampton’s academy and did not feature for Saints at senior level. The Nigerian left St Mary’s by mutual consent in September last year in search of regular football and joined Czech second-division club Dynamo Ceske Budejovice on a three-year contract.
Udoh began his career in European football with Belgian giants Royal Antwerp. Antwerp signed the 18-year-old from Abuja-based club Hype Buzz.
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Udoh starred in Antwerp’s reserve team, scoring 12 goals in 21 games. Making his first-team debut at the age of 19, he made 28 appearances for Belgium before signing for Southampton.
Saints said in a heartfelt statement: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21. Everyone at Saints FC is thinking of Victor’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
Antwerp also expressed their condolences: “It is with great regret that RAFC has learned of the death of former player Victor Udoh (21 years old).Victor arrived at Bosile in the 2023/2024 season and scored 12 goals in 21 games in his first season with the Young Reds.”
“That season, he also made his official debut for the first team in a home match against Charleroi. In total, Victor made 28 appearances in all competitions for The Great Old, registering two assists, before moving to Southampton.”
“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’s former teammate and former Watford midfielder Pierre Dwomo reacted to the news on Instagram. “I woke up Tuesday morning to this realization,” Dwomoh wrote.
“At first you think this stuff is happening in your sleep. But after reading the messages thoroughly, you realize this shit is real. Several of Victor’s relatives I spoke to confirmed his death.”
Mr Dwomoh added that he had hoped to meet Mr Udoh this summer. “Victor, like me, was looking for a new club this summer,” he explained.
“A few days ago I asked him about his vacation plans. I am going to Morocco and I am going to combine that trip with a training camp that I have invited him to, but he said he is working hard in Nigeria.”
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