Tributes pour in for Senegalese footballer who scored the primary objective of the 2002 World Cup towards title holders France.
Papa Bouba Diop, a former midfielder who represented Senegal greater than 60 occasions and performed for a number of European soccer golf equipment, has died at the age of 42, reportedly following a protracted sickness.
Diop scored the primary objective of the 2002 World Cup held in Japan and South Korea when Senegal shocked reigning champions France by beating them 1-Zero within the opening recreation.
Senegal soccer’s federation confirmed Diop’s dying on Sunday.
Former French membership Lens mentioned it realized the information with “nice unhappiness” and provided condolences to his household, whereas West London facet Fulham, one other former membership, mentioned they have been “devastated” to listen to of his dying.
World soccer governing physique FIFA, via its World Cup Twitter account, mentioned it was “saddened to study of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop”.
“As soon as a World Cup hero, at all times a World Cup hero.”
FIFA is saddened to study of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.
As soon as a World Cup hero, at all times a World Cup hero. pic.twitter.com/akUJoPxCal
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2020
Within the 2002 World Cup, Diop scored two extra targets in Senegal’s 3-Three draw with Uruguay within the group stage to develop into their prime scorer at the event as they went on to achieve the quarter-finals.
In all, the versatile defensive midfielder made 63 appearances for his nation scoring 11 targets.
Diop began his membership profession at Senegalese facet ASC Diaraf earlier than spells in Switzerland at Vevey, Neuchatel Xamax and Grasshoppers earlier than becoming a member of French facet Lens in 2002.
A transfer to Fulham adopted and he spent three years at the membership earlier than a switch to Portsmouth, the place he was a part of the staff that gained the 2007-08 FA Cup.
He additionally had quick stints at West Ham United and Birmingham Metropolis earlier than retiring from taking part in seven years in the past.
Diop was reported to have had Charcot-Marie-Tooth illness, in keeping with British media stories.
Fulham and Portsmouth paid tribute on Twitter to the participant nicknamed “The Wardrobe”.
For you, Wardrobe.
RIP Papa Bouba Diop. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/f0WHEVvhka
— Fulham Soccer Membership (@FulhamFC) November 29, 2020
💙 #Pompey are mourning the unhappy lack of Papa Bouba Diop, who has handed away at the age of simply 42 https://t.co/SOudqQhhev
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) November 29, 2020
Former Portsmouth midfielder Chris Kamara mentioned that he was devastated to learn the information.
Devastated to have simply learn the information that Papa Bouba Diop has handed away. Didn’t know he’d been ailing and, at 42 years of age, he’s been taken too younger. We used to have chuckle collectively about me calling him “The Man Mountain Himself” RIP Papa
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) November 29, 2020
“Didn’t know he’d been ailing … he’s been taken too younger,” Kamara tweeted. “We used to have chuckle collectively about me calling him ‘The Man Mountain Himself’. RIP Papa.”
Former Portsmouth goalkeeper David James additionally expressed his unhappiness in regards to the dying of Diop, whom he described as a “true gentleman”.
Such unhappy information, one of many friendliest, pretty individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to play soccer alongside
Papa Bouba Diop
28 January 1978 – 29 November 2020A real gentleman, RIP my pal 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/k5s61g7R21
— David James (@jamosfoundation) November 29, 2020
“How terribly unhappy,” tweeted former England striker and tv presenter Gary Lineker. “Taken so younger. RIP Papa Bouba Diop.”
