Soccer World Tributes Pour In For Late Derry City Captain Ryan McBride, Dead At 27

Ryan McBride, the captain of Northern Ireland soccer club Derry City, was found dead in his home in Derry on Sunday evening. He was 27.

Derry City Captain Ryan McBride Dies At 27, Tributes Pour In

The soccer world, and particularly the Irish league, was in shock about McBride’s passing early Monday. The cause of the defender’s death remains unknown, though his teammates reportedly said their captain wasn’t feeling well after Saturday’s game.

On Saturday, McBride had led Derry to a 4-0 home victory over Drogheda United, the club’s fourth league win this season.

The defender grew up in Northern Ireland in the Brandywell district, where Derry’s ground is based, and then played non-league football, but then returned to play for Derry, which he described as a “dream come true.”

“Other footballers have dreams of going across the water and playing for Man United and Celtic, but my dream as a boy was to play for Derry City and that came true.”

Dozens of tributes from fans, teammates and other players, and coaches all began pouring in early Monday morning. The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, led the tributes.
Michael D Higgins led the tributes. “Along with all those who support Irish football, I express my sadness and condolences to the family of @derrycityfc captain Ryan McBride,” Higgins tweeted.

Derry City FC manager Kenny Shiels said: “It’s hard for everybody to take.

“This is going to be a difficult one for everyone in the city. The players loved Ryan.

“He was the perfect example to any young player coming through at 13 or 14.”

Here are some of the many other social media tributes for McBride, including that of Ireland and West Bromwich Albion winger James McClean, a former teammate and friend of McBride.

The former Manchester United and Ireland defender Paul McGrath tweeted: “My thoughts are with the family, friends & club mates of Derry City captain Ryan McBride who has passed away. RIP.”

This is the third tragedy to hit Derry in the past year. Forward Mark Farren died of a brain tumor at the age of 33 and another player, Josh Daniels, lost his mother, sister, brother-in-law and two nephews in a horrific car accident.

PARIS – SEPTEMBER 28: Derry City players look dejected after PSG scored their first goal during the UEFA Cup first round, second leg match between Paris St Germain and Derry City at the Parc des Princes on September 28, 2006 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)