What happened to Ronnie Rees? The Welsh footballer is reported dead aged 79 following a battle with dementia as former clubs pay heartbreaking tributes.
Ronald Raymond Rees was a Wales professional footballer.
The late baller played predominantly as a winger and was able to play down either flank.
He played for Coventry City, where he was inducted as a Hall of Famer, Nottingham Forest, West Brom, Swansea, and Haverfordwest County A.F.C.
In October 2023, news broke that the ex-footballer had passed away. He died at the age of 79.
Here’s everything we know about his cause of death, career, net worth, family, parents, Wikipedia, biography, and more.
What was Ronnie Rees’ cause of death?
Iconic Welsh footballer Ronnie Rees has died at the age of 79.
The winger reportedly died on Tuesday 31, October, 2023.
And tributes have flooded in from his former clubs.
Rees enjoyed a fine career at the top, playing for Coventry City, West Brom, Nottingham Forest, and Swansea.
The Sky Blues said in a statement: “Coventry City are deeply saddened to learn of the death of the former player Ronnie Rees.
Coventry said: “Coventry City are deeply saddened to learn of the death of the former player Ronnie Rees.
“Ronnie, who has sadly passed away at the age of 79, was widely considered one of most exciting talents of the 1960s and the Sky Blue Revolution – starring in Third Division and Second Division title triumphs.
“Our condolences are with family and friends of Ronnie at this sad time.”
West Brom tweeted: “We’re desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former Albion winger, Ronnie Rees.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Ronnie’s friends and family at this tragic time.”
Swansea added: “Everyone at Swansea City is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Ronnie Rees at the age of 79.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Ronnie’s friends and family at this sad time.”
Who was Ronnie Rees?
Ronnie Rees, a former professional footballer, was born on April 4, 1944, in Ystradgynlais, United Kingdom.
The later ex-soccer player played for the Wales national team, where he made 39 appearances scoring three goals, and for several clubs.
He played predominantly as a winger and was able to play down either flank.
The ace began his senior career at Coventry, scoring 42 goals in 230 games between 1962 and 1968. He spent six years with Coventry City. With the club, he spent six years at Highfield Road, helping Coventry gain promotion from Division Three to Division One.
Rees then spent a year at West Brom, where he netted six times in 40 games.
In 1969 he secured a move to Nottingham Forest.
And he became a fan favorite during three years with nine goals in 76 outings.
Rees’ final major spell came at Swansea, where he scored five times in 89 games before leaving in 1975.
He then had a brief spell with Haverfordwest but ended up calling time on his career that same year.
After quitting the beautiful game, Rees worked on cars at Ford before becoming an administrator with Cardiff City.
He suffered a stroke aged 51 which affected his speech and mobility in his later years. He was forced to retire in 1995 due to his declining health.
What was Ronnie Rees’ net worth?
Ronnie Rees had an estimated net worth between $500,000 and $1 million. He accrued his fortune from his primary career as a footballer.
Rees joined West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £65,000 in March 1968.
He also joined Nottingham Forest in February 1969 for £60,000.
Swansea City manager Roy Bentley paid Forest a club-record £26,000 for Rees in January 1972.
Following his retirement from professional football, Rees worked at the Ford motorworks in Swansea and Bridgend.
Was Ronnie Rees married with children?
There are no details about Ronnie Rees’ wife or partner, however, he was believed to have been married and had several relationships, too.
About his kids, Rees’s children were not identified.