Italian Soccer Legend, Former World Cup Hero Dead At 59
09/18/2024 01:05 PM
The soccer world lost a legend today as former Italian soccer star and World Cup hero Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci passed away. He was 59 years old.
Schillaci was hospitalized earlier this month for atrial arrhythmia - a serious heart condition - amid an ongoing battle with colon cancer for the last two years. He is survived by three children.
Taking to X today, Italy prime minister Giordia Meloni lamented the passing of the soccer legend and praised him for his iconic 1990 FIFA World Cup performance.
"A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world," Meloni wrote, translated via ESPN. "Salvatore Schillaci, known by everyone as Toto, the striker from the magic nights of Italia '90 with our national team. Thanks for the emotions you gave us, for having made us dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag. Bon voyage, champion."
Ci lascia un'icona del calcio, un uomo entrato nel cuore degli italiani e degli amanti dello sport nel mondo. Salvatore Schillaci, per tutti Totò, il bomber delle notti magiche di Italia '90 con la nostra Nazionale. Grazie per le emozioni che ci hai regalato, per averci fatto… pic.twitter.com/3CWIACgAth
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 18, 2024
Italia '90 will forever be synonymous with Salvatore Schillaci.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 18, 2024
Rest in peace, Toto. 💚🤍❤️
A star striker who played professionally for over 15 years, Schillaci played his first seven pro seasons at Messina, a lower division soccer club in his native Italy. After scoring 23 goals in 35 games during the 1988-89 season, he signed with Serie A powerhouse Juventus in 1989, scoring 15 goals that season and earning his first callup to the Italy national team just in time for the 1990 World Cup that year.
From there, Schillaci became a national hero as he scored six goals for his country - one each in six of the seven games Italy played that year - tying the all-time single World Cup record. Italy went on to finish third in the tournament while Schillaci won the Golden Ball for best player in the tournament.
After the World Cup, Schillaci continued playing at the club level until 1999 for Juventus, Inter Milan and Japan's Jubilo Iwata. Following his retirement, worked at a youth soccer academy in Palermo, Italy.
Our hearts go out to Schillaci's family and loved ones.
Related: Barack Obama Reacts To Legendary Soccer Player's Death
