Senegal’s World Cup hero Papa Bouba Diop dies at 42

Senegal’s former midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has died at the age of 42. The tall midfielder, who was known for his memorable goal against France in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, died following a long illness. Diop was suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease.

In a post on Twitter, FIFA tweeted, “FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop. Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero”.

Diop’s famous goal came in the first group match between Senegal and France at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. His goal in the 30th minute sealed the victory for World Cup debutants Senegal against defending champions France in one of the greatest World Cup upsets. France eventually got knocked out in the Group stage. Senegal qualified for the knockouts after a stunning 3-3 draw against Uruguay in their final Group stage match in which Diop scored twice. Senegal went on to reach the quarterfinals, where they lost to Turkey by a single goal.

Diop was first called up to play for his country at the age of 21 and made more than 60 appearances for Senegal from 2001-08. He played club soccer in Switzerland, France and Greece and for four teams in England: Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham and Birmingham. Diop was 6-foot-5 (1.96 meters) and nicknamed “Wardrobe” because of his commanding presence. He was loved in Senegal because of that goal against the French, the former colonizers of Senegal, but also for his likeable personality off the field along with his skill on it.

The 2002 Senegal team is still loved at home and Liverpool’s Senegalese forward Sadio Mane wrote of Diop on his official Twitter page: “It was with a broken heart that we learned of your departure. Know that you will remain in our hearts forever, even if you left without saying goodbye to us.”