Brave Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery has died at the age of six after a fight against neuroblastoma, his family has confirmed.
Bradley touched football fans across the world after repeatedly appearing as a mascot for Sunderland during the 2016-17 season.
He formed a remarkably close bond with striker Jermain Defoe, with the England international regularly visiting Bradley and his family, both at home and in hospital.
His family confirmed the tragic news on Friday. Bradley was "surrounded by family" when he died, they said.
"My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family," a post on the Facebook page 'Bradley Lowery's fight against neuroblastoma' read.
"He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where. There are no words to describe how heart broken we are.
"Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words. Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels."