Regis was a pioneer for black players during his career, which spanned from 1977 to 1966. He is best remembered for his time at West Brom, where he scored 112 goals in 297 games. He formed a famous partnership with Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson, who were nicknamed the Three Degrees by manager Ron Atkinson.
A statue of the trio was unveiled outside the Hawthorns in 2014. Regis was awarded an MBE in 2008 and went on to have roles as a coach as well as a football agent.
Regis was still working up until his passing and was a hugely admired and respected figure within the game for tackling racist abuse of the 70s and 80s.
Andy Cole wrote on Twitter: 'Devastated this morning my hero my pioneer the man behind the reason I wanted to play football has passed away, my heart goes out to all his family RIP Cyrille Regis. Mark Bright posted: 'Heavy heart this morning, just heard that Cyrille Regis has passed away age 59. He was more than just a footballer, he blazed a trail for every black player who followed him, an inspiration to myself and many players of my era. A humble man and a great man. #RIPC'
Brian Deane said: 'Hard to believe I'm waking up to hear Cyrille Regis, the man who started the dream for me and many others has died of a heart attack. Genuine honour to have played on the same pitch as him . RIP Big Cyrille Regis.'
Gary Lineker posted: 'Saddened to hear that Cyrille Regis has passed away. A tremendous striker and fine man whose legacy goes beyond the game, helping to pave a way for black footballers in this country. #RIPCyrille'
Alan Shearer said: 'What a man. What a centre-forward! One of my earliest football memories was walking into WBA for a trial as a 13 year old kid, seeing Cyrille Regis and being in awe of him. RIP big man'
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