Coach and former player Anthony Renton has died at the age of 27. Information about the former athlete’s death was released through a post on X, formerly Twitter, made by Middlesbrough F.C., the club where he formed.
Renton was undergoing treatment for leukemia at the time of his death. Considered a promise in English football as a defender, he was diagnosed with the disease in 2017, shortly after turning 18 and signing his first professional contract with Middlesbrough.
After the diagnosis, Renton interrupted his playing career to dedicate himself to treatment and began working as a coach at Middlesbrough’s youth teams.
In a show of support for the young man, all of Middlesbrough’s starters took to the field wearing uniforms bearing his name in the opening match of the 2017/18 Championship season, the English second division.
Middlesbrough’s official statement on Renton’s death states that the club is deeply saddened to report the passing of the former academy player. He describes Anthony as an inspirational person who courageously fought leukemia for almost nine years, never letting the disease shake his love of football.
The club’s text goes on to say that Anthony was a promising defender and had just signed his first professional contract with Boro when he was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2017. Despite the various challenges and setbacks caused by his battle with cancer, he remained an example of positivity.
The statement ends by highlighting that Anthony has dedicated much of the last few years to training young athletes, including a period in the club’s youth categories. His dedication to player development, on and off the field, will never be forgotten and leaves a lasting legacy for many children and families in the region. He passed away peacefully last weekend, aged 27. The club’s thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
In addition to playing for Middlesbrough’s youth teams, Anthony Renton also worked as a children’s team coach for South Park Rangers, a club from the same city of Middlesbrough.
