Italian football legend Salvatore \"Toto\" Schillaci, whose electrifying performance at the 1990 World Cup made him a global icon, has died at 59 after a battle with colon cancer, the Italy football governing body (FIGC) confirmed Wednesday.
A World Cup Legend 🏆
Schillaci became a household name during the 1990 World Cup on home soil, scoring six goals and leading Italy to third place. His unforgettable celebrations and Golden Boot/Golden Ball wins cemented his legacy as one of football’s most thrilling strikers. He netted seven goals in just 16 appearances for the Azzurri.
Battle with Cancer 🎗️
Born in 1964, Shillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. His passing sparked an outpouring of tributes, including a FIGC-mandated minute of silence at all league matches this week.
\"Thank You, Toto\" 🌹
Juventus, where Schillaci played before clubs like Inter Milan and Japan’s Jubilo Iwata, shared: \"We were lucky to get excited about him before the whole of Italy did in that magical summer. Goodbye, Toto.\" Fans worldwide are sharing clips of his iconic goals, proving legends never truly fade. 🕊️
