Devonte Aransibia, a former central midfielder for Norwich City and Maidstone United, died at the age of 26. His family has created a GoFundMe page in his honour.
London-born Aransibia started his career with the Canaries in Norfolk and was a mainstay in their youth squad until leaving the team in 2018 to gain senior playing time. He chose the town of Billericay.
Before playing football again for Chelmsford and Welling United, Aransibia took a few years off. In November 2022, he was approached by Tonbridge Angels, but his actions led to a transfer to Maidstone United.
The National League team, Maidstone, advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup after winning seven straight games under the leadership of George Elokobi.
Such sad news. Part of our @wellingunited car school where we shared so many good memories. RIP Devonte, gone way too soon. 💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/yvix7v0rLW
— Samuel Peter Cox (@TheSamCox) February 10, 2025
Before the non-league team defeated second-tier Ipswich Town, who were in danger of being promoted to the Premier League, he scored in the first-round victory over Chesham, a team he joined in the summer of 2024.
“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,” says the GoFundMe page that his family created following his death.
Dev was the epitome of compassion and friendliness; he was always there with a warm grin. Everyone who was fortunate enough to know him was forever changed by his contagious laughter and giving nature, which illuminated every space he entered.
The affectionate statement ended, “Beyond his loving nature, Dev was a talented football player whose passion and drive propelled him to great success on the pitch.”
As a genuine testimonial to his character, tributes to the young professional have been pouring in fast. “It’s devastating news,” stated Jay Saunders, the manager of Tonbridge. Devonte was an excellent football player and a decent person. Despite his calm demeanour, he was a very kind child. His family and all those affected have my deepest sympathies. I’m genuinely devastated.
You get to know these guys well and spend a lot of time with them, so hearing anything like that is heartbreaking. He always had such a joyful expression. I can imagine the pleasure on his face as he scored goals.
“He was a very quiet lad when he first came in, keeping to himself, and once he came out of his shell, he was a massive player for us and a massive part of everything we did,” he added.
