The Australian football community has been rocked by the death of arguably the nation's best young prospect, Dylan Tombides, at the tender age of 20.
While Tombides was diagnosed with testicular cancer only days after starring for the Young Socceroos at the 2011 under-17 World Cup, the striker was thought to have overcome the disease, rejoining training with the first-team squad at West Ham in 2012.
Tombides even went on to make his debut with West Ham this season in a League Cup match, coming on as a late substitute in the 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic.
However, his situation rapidly deteriorated recently as the disease returned, this time to an extent that family and friends gathered around Tombides’ bedside in London as he passed away.
The devastating news was made public by the Hammers, who released a statement on Friday night which paid tribute to a short but remarkable life.
"Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger than life character,” the statement read. “He was a loving son, amazing brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad. He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him.”
West Ham’s players will wear black armbands in Saturday night’s English Premier League match against Crystal Palace and the match will be preceded by a minute’s applause.
Football Federation Australia boss David Gallop spoke on behalf of the local footbal fraternity as the sad news came to light.
“On behalf of the Australian football community, we offer our deepest condolences to Dylan's family, teammates and friends during this extremely sad time,” he said. “The Tombides family has lost a fine young man and Australian football has lost one of its most promising football players. He will be remembered for the courage he showed in his personal battle as much as the prodigious talent he displayed on the football field.”
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce paid tribute to Tombides’ character, saying his courage knew no bounds.
“Dylan was one of the bravest characters I have ever met and nobody fought his dreadful disease as hard as this lad,” he said. “Football was his life and he didn't miss a day's training even when he wasn't fit enough to train because of his treatment. He had an incredible hunger for life, which was why he fought this terrible disease so strongly. All of our thoughts are with Dylan's family at this time.”
The deceased player’s brother, Taylor Tombides, who also plays for West Ham, said on Twitter: “RIP Dylan my beloved brother. You will be missed but never forgotten. You were a massive inspiration to everyone.”
FIFA president Sepp Blatter also took to social media to pay tribute to the Perth-born forward. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dylan Tombides, West Ham United and Football Federation Australia today. Rest in peace Dylan.”
Professional Footballers Australia has asked its members participating in Saturday’s elimination final between Central Coast and Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium to hold a minute’s silence.
“Dylan was not only one of Australia’s most promising young footballers he was also a person of the highest character and an outstanding ambassador for Australian football,” said PFA chief executive Adam Vivian. “The courage that Dylan displayed in his battle with cancer was truly remarkable.”
After originally being diagnosed with cancer, Tombides worked tirelessly to bring public attention to the cause, appearing at several high-profile events with other famous names, such as Samuel L. Jackson, who was moved by the news of Tombides’ death.
“Gone too soon, Dylan Tombides," he said. "It was a pleasure to have met you. My thoughts are with your family."
