This article lists football players and notable football figures who died in 2023. It includes athletes from association football (soccer) and American football, with verified information such as nationality, position, career highlights, and reported causes of death where publicly available.
Quick Overview: Football Figures Who Died in 2023
| Name | Football Type | Nationality | Date of Death | Age |
| Gianluca Vialli | Soccer | Italian | Jan 6, 2023 | 58 |
| Anton Walkes | Soccer | English | Jan 19, 2023 | 25 |
| Jessie Lemonier | American football | American | Jan 26, 2023 | 25 |
| Conrad Dobler | American football | American | Feb 13, 2023 | 72 |
| Bud Grant | American football | American | Mar 11, 2023 | 95 |
| Chris Smith | American football | American | Apr 17, 2023 | 31 |
| Dave Wilcox | American football | American | Apr 19, 2023 | 80 |
| Joe Kapp | American football | American | May 8, 2023 | 85 |
| Jim Hines | American football / athletics | American | Jun 3, 2023 | 76 |
| Clark Haggans | American football | American | Jun 19, 2023 | 46 |
| Ryan Mallett | American football | American | Jun 27, 2023 | 35 |
| Fred Willis | American football | American | Jul 4, 2023 | 75 |
| Alex Collins | American football | American | Aug 13, 2023 | 28 |
| Mike Williams | American football | American | Sep 12, 2023 | 36 |
| Dick Butkus | American football | American | Oct 5, 2023 | 80 |
| Bobby Charlton | Soccer | English | Oct 21, 2023 | 86 |
| D. J. Hayden | American football | American | Nov 11, 2023 | 33 |
| Raphael Dwamena | Soccer | Ghanaian | Nov 11, 2023 | 28 |
| Ivan ฤelikoviฤ | Soccer | Croatian | Dec 11, 2023 | 34 |
Detailed List (v3.2 Standard)
Gianluca Vialli
- Born: July 9, 1964
- Died: January 6, 2023
- Nationality: Italian
- Known for: Sampdoria, Juventus, Chelsea; Italy national team
- Cause of death: Pancreatic cancer
Gianluca Vialli was an Italian professional footballer and manager who enjoyed a highly successful career in Serie A, the Premier League, and European competitions. He won league titles with Sampdoria and Juventus and later achieved success as player-manager at Chelsea. Vialli also represented Italy at major international tournaments and later served as delegation chief during Italyโs Euro 2020 victory. He died in 2023 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Anton Walkes
- Born: February 8, 1997
- Died: January 19, 2023
- Nationality: English
- Known for: Tottenham Hotspur, Atlanta United, Charlotte FC
- Cause of death: Injuries from a boating accident
Anton Walkes was an English professional footballer who played as a defender and midfielder in both England and Major League Soccer. He began his career at Tottenham Hotspur and later played key roles for Atlanta United and Charlotte FC. Walkes was known for his versatility and professionalism. He died in 2023 after sustaining injuries in a boating accident during a team training camp.
Jessie Lemonier
- Born: January 31, 1997
- Died: January 26, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: NFL and USFL linebacker
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Jessie Lemonier was an American football linebacker who played in the NFL, USFL, and XFL systems. Undrafted in 2020, he spent time with multiple professional teams and remained active in league play. Lemonier was regarded as a developing defensive player. He died in 2023 at the age of 25, with the cause of death not publicly disclosed.
Conrad Dobler
- Born: October 1, 1950
- Died: February 13, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: St. Louis Cardinals; three-time Pro Bowler
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Conrad Dobler was a longtime NFL offensive guard best known for his tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he gained a reputation for aggressive and physical play during the 1970s. Dobler later played for the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills. He died in 2023 at the age of 72.
Bud Grant
- Born: May 20, 1927
- Died: March 11, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Minnesota Vikings head coach
- Cause of death: Natural causes
Bud Grant was a Hall of Fame football coach and former player who led the Minnesota Vikings for nearly two decades. He guided the team to four Super Bowl appearances and numerous division titles. Grant was also successful in the Canadian Football League before his NFL coaching career. He died in 2023 at the age of 95.
Chris Smith
- Born: February 11, 1992
- Died: April 17, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Multiple NFL teams
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Chris Smith was an American defensive end who played eight seasons in the NFL with several teams. Known for his adaptability, he contributed as a rotational pass rusher across multiple defensive systems. Smith remained active in professional football until recent seasons. He died in 2023 at the age of 31.
Dave Wilcox
- Born: September 29, 1942
- Died: April 19, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: San Francisco 49ers; Hall of Fame
- Cause of death: Complications following heart surgery
Dave Wilcox was a Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker who spent his entire NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers. A seven-time Pro Bowler, he was known for his intelligence, coverage skills, and leadership. Wilcox played a key role in the 49ersโ defensive success during the early 1970s. He died in 2023 following complications from heart surgery.
Joe Kapp
- Born: March 19, 1938
- Died: May 8, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Minnesota Vikings; CFL success
- Cause of death: Complications of Alzheimerโs disease
Joe Kapp was a professional quarterback who played in both the CFL and NFL, achieving championship success in each league. He led the Minnesota Vikings to the 1969 NFL Championship and later played in the Super Bowl. After retiring, Kapp worked as a coach, executive, and broadcaster. He died in 2023 due to complications related to Alzheimerโs disease.
Jim Hines
- Born: September 10, 1946
- Died: June 3, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Olympic gold medalist; NFL player
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Jim Hines was an Olympic sprinter and former NFL player best known for breaking the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters. He won multiple gold medals at the 1968 Olympics and later transitioned briefly into professional football. Hines remained a historic figure in athletics and sports history. He died in 2023 at the age of 76.
Clark Haggans
- Born: January 10, 1977
- Died: June 19, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Pittsburgh Steelers; Super Bowl XL champion
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Clark Haggans was an NFL linebacker who played over a decade in the league, including a Super Bowl-winning season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also a standout player at Colorado State University, where he set school records. After retiring, Haggans was active in charitable initiatives. He died in 2023 at the age of 46.
Ryan Mallett
- Born: June 5, 1988
- Died: June 27, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: New England Patriots, Houston Texans
- Cause of death: Drowning
Ryan Mallett was an NFL quarterback who played for several teams between 2011 and 2017. Known for his strong arm, he later transitioned into high school coaching after his professional career. Mallett died in 2023 after drowning while swimming in Florida.
Fred Willis
- Born: December 9, 1947
- Died: July 4, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Oilers
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Fred Willis was an NFL running back who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Oilers. He was notable for his dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver and later served as a union representative for NFL players. Willis also founded a neurological health company focused on concussion diagnosis. He died in 2023.
Alex Collins
- Born: August 26, 1994
- Died: August 13, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks
- Cause of death: Motorcycle accident
Alex Collins was an NFL running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens. A former SEC standout at the University of Arkansas, he recorded multiple 1,000-yard seasons in college football. Collins died in 2023 following a motorcycle accident.
Mike Williams
- Born: May 18, 1987
- Died: September 12, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Cause of death: Complications following a workplace accident
Mike Williams was an NFL wide receiver who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs. He recorded a highly productive rookie season with Tampa Bay before injuries affected his career. Williams died in 2023 due to complications following a workplace accident.
Dick Butkus
- Born: December 9, 1942
- Died: October 5, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Chicago Bears; Hall of Fame
- Cause of death: Stroke
Dick Butkus was one of the most dominant linebackers in NFL history and a Chicago Bears legend. An eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, he was known for his intensity and physical style of play. After retirement, Butkus worked in broadcasting, acting, and philanthropy. He died in 2023 after suffering a stroke.
Bobby Charlton
- Born: October 11, 1937
- Died: October 21, 2023
- Nationality: English
- Known for: Manchester United; England World Cup winner
- Cause of death: Complications from a fall and dementia
Bobby Charlton was an English football icon who played a central role in Englandโs 1966 World Cup victory. A longtime Manchester United star, he survived the Munich air disaster and later won the European Cup with the club. Charlton remained a prominent ambassador for football throughout his life. He died in 2023 at the age of 86.
D. J. Hayden
- Born: June 27, 1990
- Died: November 11, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Oakland Raiders
- Cause of death: Traffic collision
D. J. Hayden was an NFL cornerback drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in 2013. Despite recovering from a life-threatening college injury, he built a professional career with multiple teams. Hayden died in 2023 following a traffic collision in Houston.
Raphael Dwamena
- Born: September 12, 1995
- Died: November 11, 2023
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Known for: Egnatia; Ghana national team
- Cause of death: Sudden cardiac arrest during a match
Raphael Dwamena was a Ghanaian professional footballer who played in European leagues and represented Ghana internationally. His career was affected by heart-related medical issues, though he continued playing professionally. Dwamena collapsed during a league match and died from cardiac arrest in 2023.
Ivan ฤelikoviฤ
- Born: April 10, 1989
- Died: December 11, 2023
- Nationality: Croatian
- Known for: Hajduk Split, Inter Zapreลกiฤ
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Ivan ฤelikoviฤ was a Croatian professional footballer who played as a left-back across multiple domestic clubs. Known for his consistency and positive influence in the locker room, he later worked in football development. ฤelikoviฤ died in 2023 at the age of 34, with the cause of death not publicly disclosed.
Editorial Notes
- Includes association football and American football
- Only publicly reported deaths from 2023
- Updated periodically for accuracy
