Michael Newberry, who had also played for Linfield, died on December 30, which was his 27th birthday.
Tributes poured in from across the footballing community as they remembered the defender for his “brave” and “friendly” character on and off the pitch.
Family and friends from Belfast travelled to his funeral, which was conducted by one of Cliftonville FC’s chaplains, David Burke, in Mr Newberry’s home city of Newcastle Upon-Tyne today.
Mr Burke spoke of the “awful pain” that people were feeling, but highlighted that Mr Newberry will be remembered for being “a loyal friend, beloved son and caring and protective brother”.
He said: “There is awful pain and grief that Michael is no longer with us. There is shock and disbelief that we’re actually standing here at Michael’s funeral service, there is confusion and even anger at his tragic loss.
“And yet, next to all of these, there is gratitude, there is a real sense of thankfulness for Michael’s life. For the fact that we had the absolute privilege of knowing him.
“There is joy of so many precious memories of Michael and there is pride in all the things he achieved.
“Michael was not defined by being a footballer, he was so much more. He was a loyal friend, beloved son and caring and protective brother.”
Michael Newberry when he was aged around two
During the service, Mr Newberry’s sister, Michaela, paid tribute to her brother, describing him as the family’s “pride and joy” and that he will be “forever missed”.
She said: “He was and will always be our pride and joy. A part of us will always be missing as he was the most kind-hearted and truly amazing person and will forever be missed.
“He had a sense of humour that was unmatched, and I will miss him having us laugh until we cried. Most importantly, I will miss his beautiful smile. I hope he shines down on us as bright as he did when he was with us.”
His older brother Adrian also paid tribute in a touching poem.
An extract of it read:
My little brother, from the start, I never knew you’d break my heart, I watched you grow from boy to man, I never knew this was God’s plan.”
Michael Newberry and his older brother Adrian in their teens
Mr Newberry started his career at Newcastle United’s youth team and represented Northern Ireland at U19 and U21 level.
He played for the Icelandic side Vikingur Olafsvik before joining Linfield in 2021. He won two league titles in his three-year spell with the south Belfast side before joining Cliftonville last summer, where he made 25 appearances.
An online tribute from Reds manager Jim Magilton remembered him for his “skill” and “boundless passion”.
Linfield also expressed their devastation and passed on their condolences to the Newberry family.