Football Australia is in mourning after the tragic news of the death of former Socceroo, Stephen Laybutt, who was found dead in bushland near Cabarita Beach on Sunday evening. The 46-year-old defender, who represented Australia in 15 games between 2000 and 2004, was reported missing on Saturday after he failed to contact his friends and family. Police said they are not treating his death as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Laybutt, who played for clubs in Japan, Belgium and Australia, was remembered as a “fantastic character” and a “tough defender” who always played with his heart on his sleeve. He was part of the Australian squad that competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2001 Confederations Cup. He also won the A-League championship with the Newcastle Jets in 2008, before retiring from football due to an ankle injury.
Laybutt made headlines in 2010 when he came out as gay and revealed that he had donated a kidney to a patient on dialysis, whom he met through his work at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney. The recipient of his kidney, Mark Jones, said he was in shock and disbelief over Laybutt’s death and described him as a “generous and kind-hearted” person who gave him the gift of life.
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said Laybutt’s death had saddened those in the sport who knew him. “Stephen had massive impact on all the teams he represented not only in New South Wales, but also at the national and international level,” he said. “Those who knew him and were associated with him know the type of fantastic character he was. He will live long in our memories. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Former teammates and fans also paid tribute to Laybutt on social media, expressing their shock and condolences. Former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire said on Instagram: “We all need to be better. Sadly, players are easily forgotten. Rest in peace Laybs.”The Newcastle Jets supporters club posted on Facebook: “Some sad news. Former Championship winner Stephen Laybutt has passed away. Sending love to his family, friends and former teammates.
Here is a table of his personal information and career statistics:
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Stephen John Laybutt |
| Date of birth | 3 September 1977 |
| Place of birth | Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia |
| Date of death | January 2024 |
| Place of death | Cabarita Beach, New South Wales, Australia |
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 + 1⁄2 in) |
| Position(s) | Centre Back |
| Career statistics | |
|---|---|
| Years | Team |
| 1995–1997 | Wollongong Wolves |
| 1997–1999 | Brisbane Strikers |
| 1999 | Bellmare Hiratsuka |
| 1999–2000 | Parramatta Power |
| 2000–2002 | Feyenoord |
| 2000–2001 | RBC Roosendaal (loan) |
| 2001 | Lyn Oslo (loan) |
| 2002 | Sydney Olympic |
| 2002–2003 | Brisbane Strikers |
| 2003–2004 | Excelsior Mouscron |
| 2004–2007 | Gent |
| 2007–2008 | Newcastle Jets |
| 2009–2010 | Dandaloo FC |
| Total |
| National team statistics | |
|---|---|
| Years | Team |
| 1998–2000 | Australia U-23 |
| 2000–2004 | Australia |
| Total |
