Former Middlesbrough academy soccer player Anthony Renton he died at the age of 27 after a long battle with leukemia, the club confirmed in a statement.
Renton, a defender who came through the club’s youth system, died peacefully after almost nine years of living with the disease.
He originally signed professional contracts with Middlesbrough before his diagnosis in 2017.
The Championship club have paid tribute to their former player, describing him as an “inspirational character” who continued to contribute to football despite health problems.
The club’s tribute highlights a long battle
In a statement, Middlesbrough said: “We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our former academy player Anthony Renton.”
The club added that he “bravely battled leukemia for almost nine years – and never let it diminish his love for our game.”
Renton was diagnosed in July 2017 at the age of 18, shortly after signing his first professional contract. Despite the failure, he remained closely involved in football, and later moved into coaching.
Middlesbrough noted that he “continued to be a beacon of positivity” and worked with young players in their academy during his later years.
His contribution to youth development was officially recognized when he received the club’s Academy Award in March 2026.
A lasting impact beyond his playing career
Following his time at Middlesbrough, Renton also supported player-based football, including coaching roles at South Park Rangers, where he helped guide young players in their development.
The club said his “commitment to supporting young footballers in their development on and off the field will always be remembered.”
Middlesbrough players previously showed solidarity following his diagnosis in 2017 by wearing shirts bearing his name during pre-season games.
His death has sparked tributes across the club community, with fans and former team-mates recalling both his early promise as a defender and his resilience during years of illness.
