💔 The football world is in mourning as Italian legend Salvatore \"Toto\" Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59 due to colon cancer, as confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Wednesday.
Schillaci, the unforgettable hero of the 1990 World Cup hosted in Italy, lit up the tournament with his electric performances and passionate celebrations. Scoring six goals, he claimed both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, propelling the Azzurri to a third-place finish. His legacy includes seven goals in 16 appearances for the national team—a record that still inspires strikers today. ⚽️🔥
Born in 1964, Toto's journey from the streets of Palermo to global stardom is the stuff of legends. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022, he faced his battle with the same courage he showed on the pitch.
In honor of his immense contribution to the sport, the FIGC announced a minute of silence before all league matches from Wednesday through the weekend. The stadiums he once graced will fall silent, a poignant tribute to a man who brought so much joy to fans worldwide.
His former club Juventus released a heartfelt statement: \"We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, captivated by those wonderfully energetic celebrations of his. Goodbye, Toto. Thank you.\" 💫
Schillaci also showcased his talents at Messina, Inter Milan, and even took his flair to Japan with Jubilo Iwata, leaving a mark wherever he played.
Today, fans from Palermo to Tokyo remember the man whose goals made hearts race and brought nations together. Rest in power, Toto. Your legacy lives on. 🙏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
