Death at only 27 years old: Professional soccer player dies on his birthday!

By Philip Dethlefs

London (England) - The English professional footballer Michael Newberry has died at the age of just 27. This was announced by his club, the Northern Irish first division team FC Cliftonville.

Michael Newberry died at the age of just 27.
Michael Newberry died at the age of just 27.  © Liam Mcburney/PA Wire/dpa

The Belfast club said they were shocked by Newberry's sudden death. The defender reportedly died on his birthday.

Both Cliftonville and Newberry's former club Linfield postponed their league games scheduled for Monday following the sad news.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to Michael's family and friends and the many teammates he played with during his career," Cliftonville said, "and to the fans who will be saddened and devastated by this heartbreaking news at this difficult time."

Newberry, who was born in Newcastle, England, but played for the Northern Ireland U21 team in his youth, had started his career with Newcastle United.

He was considered a great talent at the time, but never made it to the pros at Newcastle. He played for Víkingur Ólafsvík in Iceland and Linfield FC in Northern Ireland, among others. He only moved to Cliftonville FC in the summer.