Carl Macphee was nicknamed DooDoos and lived in Rhughasinish, in the Lochcarnan district at the north-east end of South Uist, with mother Helena, father Ronnie and young sister Stephanie.
He is also survived by an older brother, Brendan.
In July, his family were so proud when dad Ronnie, 45, was selected as a Queen’s Baton bearer after being nominated for his 15 years service with the district’s Iochdar Junior Youth Club.
Mr Macphee attended Iochdar primary school in South Uist and, from 11 years old, went to Lionaclete secondary school across the causeway in Benbecula.
He left school about two or three years ago and secured a trainee position with Qinetiq.
He was a star player for Iochdar Saints and last month the hugely talented striker scored three goals to help the team secure the Uist and Barra league title for the fourth year in a row.
A year ago this month, he flew up from work training in Southampton especially to met Scotland and Celtic legend Billy McNeill in Uist.
The keep-fit fanatic scored twice in the Billy McNeill Cup final and was delighted to receive the man of the match award from the Lisbon Lion.
He was keen on motorcycles and recently passed his bike driving test and bought a machine.
On his days off he enjoyed touring around the Uist scenery with motorbike pals.
Friends have paid tribute to the young man on social networking sites.
Thomas Douglas described him as an “amazing player and was taken far, far too soon”.
Roddy MacKay, who is involved with the Uist and Barra football association, left a message saying: “I just want to wake up and for this to be a nightmare of the worst kind.”
Last night, local councillor Donnie Steele said the whole community was shocked to hear the news.
Mr Steele added: “This is such a tragedy – another sudden death in an already fragile community.
“Carl was such a good worker and sportsman as well as being a very popular person.
“His death is absolutely devastating.”
On their Facebook sites, Uist and Barra Football Association as well as Iochdar Saints are displaying a picture of Carl in action on the pitch in tribute to him.