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Pope Bouba DiopThe Senegalese midfielder who scored the goal that was one of the biggest surprises in the history of the World Cup has died. He was 42 years old.
“FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop,“Said the sport’s governing body on Sunday.
Diop was the hero when Senegal upset defending champion France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
It was Senegal’s World Cup debut and the victory sent the West Africans to the quarter-finals to match the best tournament performance of an African team.
“Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero,FIFA said in his tribute on Twitter.
Diop was first called up to play for his country at the age of 21 and played more than 60 games for Senegal between 2001 and 2008.
He played for soccer clubs in Switzerland, France and Greece and for four teams in England: Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham and Birmingham.
Diop was 1.96 meters tall and was nicknamed “Wardrobe” due to its imposing presence.
He was loved in Senegal for that goal against the French, former Senegalese settlers, but also for his likeable off-the-field personality and skill on it.
The 2002 Senegal team is still loved at home and Liverpool’s Senegalese forward Sadio Mane wrote about Diop on his official Twitter page: “With a broken heart we learned of your departure. You must know that you will remain in our hearts forever, even if you left without saying goodbye to us.”
The Premier League expressed their condolences, as did Diop’s former clubs.
