FIFA President pays tribute to former junior national footballer Kobe Shepherd

President of FIFA Gianni Infantino has expressed his deepest sympathy on the passing of former Barbados junior national footballer Kobe Shepherd who lost his life to gun violence.

In a news release, the head of the world governing body for football said, “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of former national youth player Kobe Shepherd. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.

“Promising young talent, having represented Barbados at youth level, currently playing for the University of the West Indies (UWI) Blackbirds, his personality, his loyalty and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed.

“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Barbados Football Association, to the UWI Blackbirds and, most importantly, to Kobe’s family, teammates, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you. We hope that, in some way, our words of support may help bring a little peace and solace in this time of sadness.”

Shepherd, 22, an old scholar of the St Leonard’s Boys School and former Under-20 national player was regarded as one of the island’s most promising young footballers having played in the Barbados Football Association’s Premier League for UWI Blackbirds.