The soccer world is in mourning: Darren Beckford has died. He was 59 years old.

The soccer world is mourning the passing of Darren Beckford, an English center forward who died at age 59 from causes that have not been disclosed. Thousands of fans have sent messages of condolence on social media, and many of the clubs where Beckford played have also expressed their sympathies.

Manchester City, the club where the former striker played from 1985 to 1987, wrote: “The club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Darren Beckford, a former City player and product of our youth academy. Our thoughts are with Darren’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Darren Beckford is remembered by many for his time with Port Vale: between 1987 and 1991, he made 178 appearances and scored 71 goals for the Stoke-on-Trent club. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player Darren Beckford,” the Valiants wrote. “Our thoughts are with Darren’s friends, his family, and his former teammates. He will always be a Valiant.”

In addition to Manchester City and Port Vale, Beckford also played for Bury, Norwich, Oldham Athletic, Hearts, Preston North End, Walsall, Rushden & Diamonds, Southport, TNS, and Bacup Borough during his career, which ended in 1998.