Assam's Football Legend, Gilbertson Sangma Passes Away At 71, Was Suffering From Dementia

In a piece of heartbreaking news, Assam's football legend, Gilbertson Sangma, passed away at the age of 71 on April 4, 2026. His demise has brought an end to his most remarkable journey, which shaped the game of football in Assam. Gilbertson was known as the 'Man with the Golden Boot'. Gilberton took his last breath at his home in Guwahati and was fighting age-related issues.

Assam's football legend, Gilbertson Sangma, suffered from dementia

A report by India Today revealed that Assam's football legend, Gilbertson Sangma, was unwell for the past couple of years and was also suffering from dementia. Well, there have not been any reports related to Gilbertson needing a sudden medical emergency, netizens have been worried for his family members. Reports reveal that Gilbertson died due to a prolonged illness.

Gilbertson Sangma's demise came all of a sudden

Gilbertson Sangma was one of the towering personalities of the 1970s and 1980s. Because of him, Assam became very famous for its domestic football at a time when teams from Bengal and Kerala dominated the football scene. His consistency, flair and eye for the game had made him one of the best known footballers of his era. Gilbertson's exact cause of death has not been revealed.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia offered tribute to Gilbertson Sangma

Gilbertson's demise has prompted an array of tributes from the football community. Even the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia shared a note on the social media and honoured the legendary career of the footballer.  In his tweet he had written about the demise of the ace footballer, which read:

"Gilbertson Sangma a legend in football is gone...huge loss to our football and sports...will miss his 'superstardom' who was an unannounced brand ambassador of Bordoloi Trophy in its glorious days...heartfelt condolences to family, friends and fans...Om Shanti."

Gilbertson Sangma breathed his last in the morning of  April 4, 2026

Gilbertson Sangma has not been keeping good health for a couple of years. A report by Awaz The Voice. in revealed that his demise has left Assam's vibrant football clubs deeply upset. The North East United FC also offered condolences to Gilbertson's family and remembered his immense contribution to the game. Gilbertson Sangma's demise has marked the end of an era in the northeastern Indian football scenario. Well, according to recent reports on social media, it was at 7.30 a.m. on the morning of April 4, 2026, that he breathed his last. For the past couple of years, he has been suffering from dementia, and reports mention that his condition has also deteriorated.

How was the career of Gilberton Sangma?

Gilberton Sangma's journey in the football career spanned over 17 years, during which he represented Assam. Gilberton had helped Assam win the Bordoloi Trophy and played an important role in Assam's Santosh Trophy campaign in the 1974 and 1975 seasons. Due to Gilberton's performance, Kerala was defeated and the team had landed in the quarterfinals. When Sangma was at the peak of his career, he received a lot of national recognition for representing India internationally in friendly matches in Indonesia and Thailand. His contribution to the game has been immense, and the late footballer was also honoured with the Assam Saurabh award back in 2022, which is the state's second-highest civilian honour award.

Gilberton Sangma was also in the police force

Gilberton Sangma reportedly was also in active service with the police force and was closely associated with football, too, in Assam, and inspired the upcoming generation, too. Gilberton, ever after his retirement, continued to promote football and remained very active.

Rest in peace, Gilbertson Sangma.

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