The Tragic Story of Wilfred Agbonavbare

An idol in Spain and a champion in Nigeria, ex Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Wilfred Agbonavbare faced racism and prejudice throughout his seven years in Spain, before retiring at 31 years old due to a lack of teams that were willing to take a chance on him.

After his retirement, the Lagos native settled in Madrid and bounced around from job to job, working as a delivery man and a goalkeeper coach. He lost his wife to cancer in 2012, and three years later, he passed away at the age of 48 from the same disease. At the time of his death, he was unemployed and seeking financial aid from Nigerians and the Nigerian government.

But before life's obstacle course ensnared him in its trap, Willy, as he was known back then, built an impressive reputation for himself as a goalkeeper, beginning his career at 16 years of age.