Football League star Marvin Brown tragically dies aged 42 after cancer battle as Bristol City & fans pay tribute

FORMER Bristol City star Marvin Brown has died aged 42 following a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Tributes have poured in for the late striker – who was once the club’s youngest ever player at just 16 years old in 1999.

Brown died early on Monday, after being transferred to end-of-life care at home on Saturday.

He had been battling a rare form of cancer in his bile duct.

Bristol City said on X following the tragic news: “We were saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown aged 42.

“Marvin joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and went on to become the club’s youngest player, aged just 16 years and 71 days in September 1999.”

They added: “While at the club, Marvin featured for England Under-16s and Under-17s before moving on to Forest Green Rovers in 2004.”

The club described him as a “proud Bristolian” who also “played a crucial role” in young talent development for Academy graduates.

Brown’s heartbroken brother Aaron said his heart was “shattered” following his sibling’s tragic death.

He said on Instagram: “Today I said goodbye to my little brother and my best friend, Marvin.

“Your fight is finally over, and while I find some peace knowing you’re no longer in pain, my heart is shattered without you here. Life will never be the same.”

He continued: “You were everything a brother could ever hope for – kind, calm, ambitious, thoughtful, and always putting others before yourself.

“You had this rare gift of making people feel seen, cared for, and loved. You made every room brighter just by being in it. We will miss your laugh and witty one liners.”

Aaron added: “I’ll love you forever, until we meet again, bro.”

Brown played 19 times for Bristol City and after a string of non-league spells he retired from football in 2012.

In later life, he founded the Total Pro Soccer coaching company and obtained a UEFA A licence.

Brown has struggled with a number of health problems after previously battling ulcerative colitis and cholangitis – a chronic liver disease.

He was then diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and had successful surgery to treat it.

The former athlete was then diagnosed with rare form of cancer before being given palliative care.

A fundraising page was set up for Brown and his family on GoFundMe after the player was unable to secure life insurance due to his pre-existing health conditions.

Fans have helped raise £65,000 in a bid to support Brown’s wife Alexis and his two daughters.

Brown left his boyhood club in 2004 as he dropped into non league with Forest Green in a brief stint before joining Tamworth.

He later had stints with Yeovil Town, Weston-super-Mare, Salisbury City and finally Truro City before retiring in 2012.

Brown is also an England youth international, having featured for England Under-16s and the Under-17s.

Click here to read article