Former Portsmouth, West Ham, and Fulham star Papa Bouba Diop, known for scoring Senegal's famous goal to beat France in the 2002 World Cup, has re
Former Portsmouth, West Ham, and Fulham star Papa Bouba Diop, known for scoring Senegal’s famous goal to beat France in the 2002 World Cup, has reportedly passed away at the age of 42 after a battle with illness.
According to a number of reports, Bouba Diop had been suffering from a long-time illness, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
His former club, RC Lens, paid tribute on Twitter writing: “It is with great sadness that Racing Club de Lens has just learned of the disappearance of its former player Papa Bouba Diop , at the age of 42.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
C'est avec une grande tristesse que le Racing Club de Lens vient d'apprendre la disparition de son ancien joueur Papa Bouba #Diop, à l'âge de 42 ans. Nous présentons nos plus sincères condoléances à ses proches. 🙏❤️💛 #LensoisPourToujours #rclens pic.twitter.com/bdUpN60y2R
— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) November 29, 2020
So too did world governing body FIFA, who declared: “FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.
“Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero.”
FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.
Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero. pic.twitter.com/akUJoPxCal
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2020
Diop became a national hero when he scored the goal which saw Senegal beat France 1-0 in their opening World Cup game in 2002.
The midfielder first arrived in English football when he joined Fulham from Lens in 2004, becoming known as “The Wardrobe” at Craven Cottage.
He joined Portsmouth in 2007 and after a stint with AEK Athens returned to the top flight by joining West Ham in 2011.
Diop became a national hero when he scored the goal which saw Senegal beat France 1-0 in their opening World Cup game in 2002.
The midfielder first arrived in English football when he joined Fulham from Lens in 2004, becoming known as “The Wardrobe” at Craven Cottage.
He joined Portsmouth in 2007 and after a stint with AEK Athens returned to the top flight by joining West Ham in 2011.
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