Soccer world mourns the loss of Derry City captain Ryan McBride

Published Mar. 20, 2017 12:54 p.m. ET

Nate Scott

The soccer world was stunned on Sunday following the death of Derry City captain Ryan McBride, which occurred just hours after he had led his side to a 4-0 win over Drogheda United.

The cause of death is unknown, though teammates reportedly said that McBride wasn't feeling well after the match. He was just 27.

The ferocious midfielder grew up in Northern Ireland, with his family living just nearby the Derry City ground. After playing non-league football, he returned home to play for the club, which he described as a dream come true.

https://twitter.com/ElChiefMoore/status/843609833626652672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

After news of his death broke, his teammates, coaches, and Irish soccer fans were all crestfallen.

https://twitter.com/PresidentIRL/status/843714628639211520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/Nicky_low18/status/843764573303984128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/No1shaygiven/status/843752651464589312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/celticfc/status/843756366355464192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/843759735610523648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/MickRing83/status/843602041847058432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/843764998413410304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The club issued a statement via its Facebook page, which concluded with:

In the coming days and weeks we will grieve the loss of our captain and our friend. Sometime in the future, when we have got past the initial shock and have had the proper space to grieve his loss, we will find a way to celebrate his life. We will remember his civility and humility off the field, his commitment and passion on it and the deep love he carried in his heart for Derry City Football Club.