Dylan Tombides
Tributes pour in for the Perth born footballer who died on Friday.

Tributes have been pouring in for West ham striker Dylan Tombides who has died following a long battle with cancer.

The 20-year-old Australian, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer three years ago, died on Friday (18 April) with his family at his bedside.

Tombides was first diagnosed with cancer while representing Australia during the 2011 Under 17 World Cup in Mexico.

West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer.
- West Ham FC

Widely regarded as one of the best young players to come out of Australia, he made his first-team debut for West Ham in a League Cup match against Wigan Athletic in 2012.

The football club issued a statement saying: "West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer.

"Dylan's amazing resilience and positivity saw him through months of surgery and chemotherapy, while his outstanding talent saw him make his first-team debut in a League Cup tie with Wigan Athletic at the Boleyn Ground in September 2012.

"Away from the pitch, Dylan did a huge amount of work to raise awareness of male cancer, supporting the One for the Boys campaign at a number of high-profile events alongside the likes of Hollywood star Samuel L Jackson, snooker star Jimmy White and fellow Australian Peter Andre.

"The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with his parents Tracylee and Jim, brother Taylor, his family and friends at this sad time. The club request that their privacy is now respected and they are allowed to grieve their much loved son and brother in peace."

Sepp Blatter / Twitter

The Perth born football star's death will be marked by a minute's applause before West Ham's home match against Crystal Palace this weekend. The Hammers' players will also wear black armbands in his memory.

On Twitter FIFA president Sepp Blatter led the messages of condolences to Tombides' family, writing: "My thoughts & prayers are with the family of Dylan Tombides, @whufc_official & @FFA today. Rest in peace Dylan."'

Chelsea player Nathaniel Chalobah tweeted: "In complete shock about the Dylan Tombides news, shaking. Played against him a few times, such a nice guy, 20 is no age. RIP."

Footballer Eoin Wearen wrote: "Gutted to hear about my friend and ex team-mate Dylan Tombides, who today lost his battle with cancer! Really am speechless....RIP Dyl."

Dylan's brother Taylor, a West Ham youth player, tweeted: "'R.I.P. Dylan my beloved brother you will be missed but never forgotten you was a massive inspiration to everyone."