Sudanese refugee footballer Richard Arow, 28, is being remembered for his "infectious smile and loving character" after he succumbed to injuries sustained during a Melbourne nightclub shooting last week.
Police believe the culprits behind the drive-by shooting have links to outlaw motorcycle gangs and Middle Eastern organised crime groups.
Mr Arow was standing in line outside the Love Machine nightclub when multiple bullets were fired from within a stolen Porsche Cayenne at about 3am last Sunday.
He had been standing near security guard Aaron Khalid Osmani, 37, who was also rushed to hospital after the shooting. Mr Osmani died hours later.
Westside Strikers FC said it would be paying tribute to their former teammate at their next game.
Westside Strikers Vice President and former Brimbank Stallions Vice President Francesco De Bonis said Richard was a leader who always had a kind word to say.
"Even in the changing rooms after a loss, he was the one who tried to bring people up with his big smile. That's how I remember him, I never remember him upset or say[ing] something negative."
At the next Westside Strikers game, players will be wearing a black armband and will participate in a minute's silence.
"Richard was held in high regard, his personality and everlasting smile is something we will always remember," the team said in a Facebook post.
Mr De Bonis said there are talks underway to organise an annual tournament and medal in Richard's memory.
"Celebrating his life is the minimum we can do for the community, for his family," he said.
The Brimbank Stallions FC also offered its condolences to family, friends and teammates.
"Richard was a much loved outstanding member of our 2017 Championship winning team, a committed player both on and off the field, we will certainly miss his infectious smile and loving character," the team said in a statement.
Four other people were injured in the incident which is is being investigated by the homicide squad.
The Porsche, stolen from Dandenong in March, was later found burnt-out at Wollert.
Links to outlaw motorcycle gangs and Middle Eastern organised crime groups are being examined.
"We think this is quite a specific, targeted attack, but we do not understand the motive, nor the people who are involved in it at this time," Victoria Police assistant commissioner Tess Walsh said on Monday.
Additional reporting: AAP
