The football world has paid tribute to West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides, who passed away on Friday at the age of 20 following a brave battle with cancer.
Dylan passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.
A hugely popular figure among his team-mates, coaches, backroom staff, supporters and opponents alike, the Australia U22 international was loved and respected throughout the football world for his talent, determination and outstanding character and personality.
Dylan's passing has deeply touched everyone who had the honour to know him:
Dylan's brother and West Ham United midfielder Taylor Tombides: "RIP Dylan my beloved brother. You will be missed but never forgotten. You were a massive inspiration to everyone."
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan: "It's such devastating news for his family and my thoughts are with them at this time. Sometimes life can be incredibly unkind as we lose someone so talented and so young. Dylan had a real zest for life and everyone at the Club was inspired by his determination to fight this awful illness to the end."
Joint-Chairman David Gold: "Incredibly sad to hear the news about Dylan Tombides. He was always so positive despite his illness. All my thoughts are with his family."
Manager Sam Allardyce: "Dylan was one of the bravest characters I have ever met and nobody fought his dreadful disease as hard as this lad. Football was his life and he didn't miss a day's training even when he wasn't fit enough to train because of his treatment. He had an incredible hunger for life, which was why he fought this terrible disease so strongly. All of our thoughts are with Dylan's family at this time."
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE: "It's very, very sad news. Dylan has fought this illness tirelessly and it was a tribute to him that he was able to make first-team debut despite his illness. Everyone at the Academy is devastated and words can't explain how we feel. All of our thoughts are with his parents, his brother Taylor, who is a scholar in the Academy, and the rest of his family. He will be sorely missed."
Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop: "On behalf of the Australian Football Community, we offer our deepest condolences to Dylan's family, team mates and friends during this extremely sad time. The Tombides family has lost a fine young man and Australian football has lost one of its most promising football players. He will be remembered for the courage he showed in his personal battle as much as the prodigious talent he displayed on the football field."
FIFA President Sepp Blatter: "My thoughts & prayers are with the family of Dylan Tombides, West Ham United and Football Federation Australia today. Rest in peace Dylan."
FA Chairman Greg Dyke: "On behalf of The FA, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dylan Tombides. My thoughts are with them at this very sad time, and also with those that knew Dylan at West Ham United and Football Federation Australia. He was also close to many of our own England development team players and I know he will be much missed."
West Ham United team-mate and friend George Moncur: "My best mate In the whole world Dylan Tombides. We has such good times I'm absolutely devastated. RIP I love you so much pal."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Dan Potts: "Such heartbreaking news. Dyl you were a great friend, a great player and most of all a great person. I'm blessed and privileged to have had such good memories with you on and off the pitch and to have had you as such a close friend. You fought so bravely mate and with such positivity. Everything that has happened is so undeserved. All my love is with you and your family."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Jordan Spence: "Despite losing you so soon, your life will live long in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing you."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Matthias Fanimo: "Can't believe the news I've just heard. I'm in absolute shock. Dylan Tombides RIP - one of my closest mates you will be dearly missed."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Elliot Lee: "Still don't want to believe it. My strike partner forever. Rest In Paradise my brother. Miss and love you always."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Sebastian Lletget: "I can't believe this. The fight he put in to beat this thing. May he rest in peace. God bless his soul. My great friend and teammate Dylan."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Kieran Sadlier: "My inspiration and one of my closest friends! Such a talented footballer and funniest guys about! Rest in peace I'll always love you man."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Blair Turgott: "Absolutely devastated to hear about my good friend and teammate Dylan Tombides. Words cannot explain, thoughts are with his family."
West Ham United team-mate and friend Ravel Morrison: "Very sad to hear the news about Dylan Tombides.God bless you. My heart is with you and your family. RIP Dylan."
Chelsea FC: "All at CFC are deeply saddened at the passing of West Ham's Dylan Tombides. Thoughts and prayers with his friends, family and team-mates."
Adelaide United FC: "From everyone at Adelaide United FC, our thoughts are with the family of Dylan Tombides. A young, brave footballer taken far too soon. RIP."
Australia international Tim Cahill: "I'm always grateful for life and I will pray for you. Rest in Peace my brother Dylan Tombides."
Fox Sports Australia Premier League correspondent Daniel Garb: "The reaction back home is absolute devastation. The Australian football community is in complete mourning. e know he will be remembered with a minute's applause at West Ham's game with Crystal Palace tomorrow but it speaks volumes of his ability and potential that games in the A-League finals this weekend - the most important matches in the Australian soccer season - will honour a player that never played a Premier League game or full international. It is with such sadness that we will never see that immense potential realised."
*Supporters' tributes have also poured in on the Club's Facebook and Twitter pages. Please continue to share your memories of Dylan with us.