Devonte Aransibia dies aged 26 as tributes pour in for...

Former Norwich City and Maidstone United footballer Devonte Aransibia has died aged 26, his family have confirmed. Aransibia began his career with the Canaries and featured regularly for their youth teams during the formative stage of his career. Unable to make a first team breakthrough at his boyhood club, Aransibia enjoyed success at non-league level with the likes of Potters Bar, Royston Town, Chelmsford and Welling.

Image Credit: Metro [LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: George Porter of Dulwich Hamlet is challenged by Devonte Aransibia of Tonbridge during the National League South match between Dulwich Hamlet FC v Tonbridge at Champion Hill on February 11, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sam Mellish/Getty Images)]

The London-born midfielder was part of the Maidstone United side that enjoyed an FA Cup adventure last season which saw them beat Ipswich Town en route to the fifth round. His heartbroken family have set up GoFundMe page following his death and have released an emotional statement. ‘It is with heavy hearts that we come together to honour the life of Dev, a loving partner, devoted father, cherished son, and dear friend to so many,’ the statement read.

Image Credit: Metro [LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Lamine Kaba Sherif of Leicester City in action with Devonte Aransibia of Norwich City during the Premier League Cup tie between Leicester City and Norwich City at Holmes Park on October 5, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)]

‘Dev was the embodiment of kindness and compassion, always ready with a warm smile. ‘His infectious laughter and generous spirit brightened every room he entered, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. ‘Beyond his loving nature, Dev was a talented footballer whose passion and drive propelled him to great success on the pitch.’. Aransibia was on the books at Chesham at the start of the current campaign but only made two appearances for the National League Two club.

Image Credit: Metro [Devonte Aransibia dead at 26: Former Norwich and Maidstone footballer passes away as tributes flood in Devonte Aransibia's father Andy pays tribute to son https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037858602586&sk=photos]

Despite a nomadic career, Aransibia clearly left a mark at the various clubs he played for with his former boss at Welling, Jay Saunders, remembering him fondly. He said: ‘It’s devastating news. Devonte was just a good person and a very good footballer. ‘He was a quiet lad but a real nice kid. I’m just gutted for his family and everyone involved. I’m truly gutted. ‘You spend quite a lot of time with these lads and get to know them personally and it’s devastating news when you hear something like that.

He always looked so happy. When he was scoring goals, the smile on his face, I can picture it.’. Troy Townsend, former Millwall and Crystal Palace youth player and father to ex-England star Andros, posted two pictures of a young Aransibia, and said: ‘Shocked beyond belief. ‘This is how I want to remember you, surrounded by opponents but always finding a way and that ever so cheeky smile. Rest Easy Devonte.’.