Middlesbrough mourn Anthony Renton, who died aged 27 after nine-year leukaemia battle

Middlesbrough have paid tribute to Anthony Renton, a former academy defender who passed away peacefully over the weekend at the age of 27 after a nine-year battle with leukaemia. The club confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as an “inspirational character” whose courage and dedication left a lasting legacy across Teesside.

Renton was just 18 years old and had only recently signed his first professional terms with Boro when he was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2017. In a show of solidarity that season, the club’s first-team players wore warm-up T-shirts bearing his name ahead of their opening fixture of the 2017/18 campaign.

Despite the diagnosis, Renton refused to step away from football. He transitioned into coaching, working with Middlesbrough’s own academy and with South Park Rangers, where he was remembered for his commitment to the young players in his care.

“Anthony was a promising defender and had only recently signed his first professional terms with Boro when he was first diagnosed with leukaemia back in July 2017,” the club wrote. “Despite the many challenges and setbacks he faced as a result of his cancer battle, Anthony continued to be a beacon of positivity.”

His contribution was formally recognised in March 2026, when he became the first-ever recipient of the MFC Academy Alumni Award — an honour the club described as “hugely deserved”.

RH Coaching, where Renton also worked, paid their own tribute on social media. “Anth was a fantastic coach who cared deeply about the children he worked with,” the post read. “Despite everything, he always found a way to keep going. No one should have to go through what Anth experienced over the last ten years, especially at such a young age. The football community has lost one of its good ones.”

Middlesbrough closed their statement by extending condolences to Renton’s family and friends, adding: “His dedication to supporting young footballers in their development both on and off the pitch will always be remembered, and leaves a lasting legacy with so many children and their families across Teesside.”