Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster pointed to the sky mid-match in a tribute to his cousin, a promising teenage footballer who died during a game.
Seventeen-year-old Kaylen Dennis died on the pitch during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterday.
Walthamstow Football Club said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing away of one of our U23 players, Kaylen Dennis during a game.
“We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone that knew him.”
After scoring the first goal against Millwall during a Championship match, Mr Brewster pointed his right finger to the sky.
“I want to dedicate that goal to my younger cousin,” he later told BBC Sheffield. “He passed away earlier today before the game, so that’s one for him and the family.
“It’s a very tough time for the family, but I played for him today, and I was very happy to come away with a goal, and that’s for him.”
Scott Chickelday, a striker coach who helps Premier League players, said Mr Dennis had “unbelievable talent”.
“Kaylen Dennis was not just a talented footballer but was a great character and person! God bless Kaylen fly high champ,” Mr Chickelday added.
The young footballer also received touching tributes from teams all over Walthamstow.
Walthamstow Reserves DC said: “A kid with the brightest future, beyond being a talented young footballer, he was a blessed young man.
“Our football family will gather around his family during this difficult time. Rest in perfect peace Kaylen Dennis,” the semi-pro club added.
His youth team, Ryan FC which runs more than 30 teams from under-6s to seniors, also paid a touching tribute.
“We are so upset and devastated at Ryan FC,” the team said.
“Kaylen started playing for us at 13 and we watched him progress into senior football playing for our partner club Walthamstow FC.
“His parents have been so supportive and all our thoughts are with them and their family.”
