Who was Holden Trent? Tributes pour in as Philadelphia Union goalkeeper passes away

Holden Trent (Image via Holden Trent/Instagram)
Holden Trent (Image via Holden Trent/Instagram)

The soccer community is mourning the death of 25-year-old goalkeeper Holden Trent, who passed away on October 26, 2024, two days after being hospitalized in the ICU for undisclosed reasons. Holden’s family confirmed his death via a post on his Instagram account. The cause of death was undisclosed.

In the post, Holden’s family expressed gratitude to everyone who reached out while Trent was hospitalized. They announced that Trent passed away on Saturday afternoon surrounded by family and friends:

“We want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Holden passed away this afternoon surrounded by his family and friends. Details on services and celebration of life are forthcoming. Our family is deeply touched to see and experience the love you all have for Holden.”

Two days before the family shared the devastating update, High Point University shared a message on Facebook revealing Trent was in the ICU. Holden was a former goalkeeper for the High Point University men's soccer team. The message shared by Trent’s family read:

“Yesterday, Holden was admitted to the ICU. We ask everyone to keep Holden in your thoughts and prayers.”

The family did not disclose the reason behind Trent’s hospitalization.


Holden Trent was picked to play for Philadelphia Union in 2023.

Holden Trent was a former Page High student who graduated from the school in 2018 before going on to play soccer at High Point University. Trent served as team captain for the men’s soccer team before graduating in 2022. At the time, in an Instagram post, Trent had said:

“Gave everything I had for 4.5 years. So thankful to everyone at @hpumsoccer for making my time there so special. Ready for the next step.”

Holden Trent went on to play for the Philadelphia Union in 2023. Sadly, Trent died before he could make the first team. However, he appeared in six games for MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Philadelphia Union II. Following his death, The Philadelphia Union team paid tribute to the gifted athlete described as a fierce player. In a statement, they said:

"He embodied the true meaning of determination, dedication and perseverance, and he will be deeply missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his fiancé and his friends."

According to his Instagram post, Holden Trent proposed to his girlfriend, Brie, in December 2023. Major League Soccer extended their condolences to Trent’s fiance and family following his death. Part of the statement read:

"We extend our deepest condolences to his fiancée, his family and friends, his teammates and the entire Philadelphia Union community. MLS is coordinating with the club to provide players and family members with the resources and support they need during this tragic time."

Several fans flooded social media with an outpour of love and support.

We will provide updates as soon as more information is available surrounding his sudden passing.

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Edited by Yesha Srivastava