Missing Socceroo spotted on CCTV on day he disappeared

The last image of a former Socceroos star has emerged as he is found dead in bushland in northern NSW.

An ex-Socceroo player whose body was discovered in bushland in northern NSW was spotted the day he disappeared wearing board shorts and carrying a brown shopping bag.

Officers located Stephen Laybutt’s body near Cabarita on the North Coast at about 7pm Sunday after an extensive police search.

The Elizabeth Bay local was last seen about 48 hours earlier at 9pm on Friday at a friend’s home in nearby Casuarina, where he had travelled earlier that day.

The chilling last photo of ex-Socceroo player Stephen Laybutt was released by police while the search was underway to find him. Picture: NSW Police

The 46-year-old was reported missing on Saturday morning after he couldn’t be located or contacted.

His car, a silver Mercedes, was found near a set of shops in Cabarita at 11.30am on Saturday.

Wearing a blue shirt, blue boardshorts and carrying a brown paper bag the day he went missing, Mr Laybutt’s image was circulated in the hopes someone had spotted him after he’d disappeared.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

A talented footballer, Mr Laybutt played 15 matches for the Socceroos between 2000 and 2004 and remained with the A-League’s Newcastle Jets until he ruptured his achilles tendon in 2008 and was forced to retire.

He also represented Australia at the 2000 Olympics with the Olyroos team.

Mr Laybutt played for Australia from 2000 to 2004 Picture: Getty Images.

Mr Laybutt grew up in Wollongong before going onto play for the Brisbane Strikers and Parramatta Power early in his career.

He later enjoyed an overseas career, playing for various teams in Europe.

After retiring from football, Mr Laybutt came out as gay.

Hiding his sexuality was something that had a “massive effect” on his career, he later revealed.

“I wish I’d played in a World Cup – but it was still a half decent career. A few rumours went around, some media approached me, but I didn’t return their calls,” he told the Star Observer.

Mr Laybutt also made headlines in 2021 when he selflessly donated his kidney to a man on dialysis he had met while working at the rehabilitation unit at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

He contacted patient Ian Pavey via text message with the offer to save his life.

“Hey mate it’s Steve from St Vincent’s,” the message said according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I want to investigate if I could give you a kidney. Consider it please.”

Mr Laybutt had been helping the 67-year-old recover from a knee operation and said he made the incredible offer because he “liked his attitude”.

“He was always positive. I thought, ‘I should help this guy’. People have asked me what the thought process was behind it. I just thought it was the right thing to do,” he said at the time.

The talented footballer came out as gay after retiring due to injury in 2008.

Tributes have begun to pour in for the football star, with fellow ex-Socceroo Craig Foster paying his respects to the “highly talented player”.

“Terrible news for the football community and particularly the ⁦Socceroos fraternity who have lost a brother,” Foster wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“A gentle, kind person and a highly talented player of course.

“My love and deepest condolences to Stephen’s loved ones.”

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said Mr Laybutt’s dedication to the sport will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.

“Stephen’s journey from domestic leagues to the international stage exemplified dedication, skill, and the spirit of Australian football,” Mr Johnson said.

“His contributions to the Socceroos, especially during the OFC Nations Cup victories and the Sydney 2000 Olympics, have left a lasting legacy in our football community.

“We remember Stephen not just for his accomplishments on the field but also for his character and the positive influence he had on those around him.

“He will forever be remembered as part of the Socceroos family and will be deeply missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Football Australia chair Anter Isaac said Mr Laybutt’s death “is a profound loss for the football community in Australia and beyond”. 

“Stephen represented the very best of Australian football - talent, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence,” Mr Isaac said.

Stephen Laybutt was visiting the North Coast when he died. Picture: Facebook

“His memorable performances for the Socceroos and his significant role in pivotal victories will forever be etched in the annals of our football history.

“On behalf of Football Australia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Stephen’s family, friends, and former teammates.

“We stand together in honouring his remarkable life and career.

“Stephen’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Australian footballers.”

Meanwhile, football legend Robbie Slater also described his death as a tragedy.

“He was a very good player, I played against him a few times when he was with the Brisbane Strikers,” Mr Slater told The Daily Telegraph.

Stephen Laybutt (right) at the launch of the Olympic Ticket countdown in 1999.

“He was a big guy, uncompromising, he had a very good career and probably a highlight for him was his time in Belgium (where he played for Mouscron and Gent from 2003 to 2007).”

Mr Slater described him as an “extremely courageous person” for being open about his sexuality.

Former Socceroos star Luke Wilkshire took to Instagram to commemorate his passing.

“We all need to be better. Sadly, players are easily forgotten,” he wrote

“Rest in peace Laybs.”

Football Australia has also paid tribute.

“The former AIS graduate was known as one of the toughest defenders in the league and always played with his heart on his sleeve,” the organisation wrote on social media.

“Football NSW wishes to send its deepest condolences to the Laybutt family. May he rest in heavenly peace.”