BELGIAN football club Royal Antwerp have announced the tragic death of former Saints academy player Victor Udoh at the age of 21.
Udoh spent six months at St Mary's after arriving from Antwerp in January 2025, scoring two goals for the under-21s team in Premier League 2.
After departing Saints by mutual consent in September, the Nigerian winger then joined Czech lower league outfit Dynamo Ceske Budejovice.
Udoh's former club, where he progressed through the youth system after moving from his hometown in Abuja, reported his death on Tuesday.
"It is with great sadness that RAFC has learned of the death of former player Victor Udoh," the club's official statement said.
Met grote verslagenheid heeft RAFC kennisgenomen van het overlijden van oud-speler Victor Udoh (21).
Victor streek in het seizoen 2023/2024 neer op de Bosuil, waar hij in zijn eerste seizoen bij de Young Reds twaalf keer wist te scoren in 21 wedstrijden. Dat seizoen maakte hij… pic.twitter.com/ISh3IPBgh3— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) May 26, 2026
"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.
"That season, he also made his official debut for the first team in the home game against Charleroi.
"In total, Victor made 28 official appearances for The Great Old and provided two assists before making the switch to Southampton.
"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.
"Rest in peace, Victor."
A Saints statement added: "We are devastated by the tragic passing of former player Victor Udoh at the age of 21.
"The thoughts of everyone at Southampton Football Club go out to Victor's loved ones at this extremely difficult time."
The cause of Udoh's death has not yet been confirmed.
Belgian football club Royal Antwerp have announced the tragic death of former Saints academy player Victor Udoh at the age of just 21. I am devastated to read that. All of my thoughts are with his family. #SaintsFC
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 26, 2026
