On his birthday
Professional footballer dies at the age of just 27
December 30, 2024 – 5:06 p.mReading time: 1 Min.
The sudden death of Michael Newberry at just 27 shocked the football world. Fans and clubs remember the young defender.
English footballer Michael Newberry has died aged 27. His club, the Northern Irish first division club FC Cliftonville, announced this on Monday. Newberry reportedly passed away on his birthday today (December 30).
Cliftonville FC said it was shocked by the sudden death of its player. “Our deepest condolences go out to Michael’s family and friends, as well as the many teammates he played with throughout his career,” the club said in a statement. He also expressed his condolences to the fans who “will be affected and shocked by this heartbreaking news.”
Newberry’s former club, Linfield FC, also reacted to the news and, like Cliftonville, postponed the league game scheduled for Monday.
Michael Newberry was born in the English city of Newcastle. He began his football career at Newcastle United and was considered a great talent in his youth. However, he did not make the jump to the professionals at his hometown club.
After stints in Iceland with Víkingur Ólafsvík and in Northern Ireland with FC Linfield, the defender moved to FC Cliftonville in the summer of 2023. He has also played games for Northern Ireland’s U21 national team in the past, as his roots made him eligible to play for the country.