Former Italy striker Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, renowned for his standout performance as the top scorer in the 1990 World Cup, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 59. Schillaci, who became a national icon during Italy’s home World Cup, died in Palermo’s “Civico” hospital after a battle with bowel cancer.
Football clubs and fans across Italy paid tribute to the striker, with Juventus—one of his former clubs—posting a simple yet heartfelt message on social media: “Ciao Toto,” alongside a photo of him in the club’s jersey.
Also Read: FIFA and WHO Launch Global Concussion Awareness Initiative
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced that a “minute of reflection” would be observed before all matches in Italy this weekend to honor Schillaci. “His goal celebrations, in which his face became the symbol of collective joy, will remain forever part of Italian football heritage,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
Schillaci’s football career began in the early 1980s at Messina, before he gained prominence playing for Juventus and Inter Milan. His finest club season came just before the 1990 World Cup, when he netted 21 goals across all competitions, helping Juventus secure the UEFA Cup and the Italian Cup.
However, it was the 1990 World Cup that cemented Schillaci’s legacy. His unexpected goal-scoring spree saw him score six times, leading Italy to the semi-finals. His performances earned him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball for best player, ahead of renowned stars like Lothar Matthäus and Diego Maradona.
Reflecting on his impact, Juventus said, “At Juve, we were lucky to be excited by him before he did the same to the whole of Italy during that incredible summer of 1990… Goodbye, Toto. Thank you.”
Italy’s World Cup journey ended in heartbreak after losing to Argentina in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals, with Maradona leading the charge against the host nation in Naples. Schillaci, who earned 16 caps for Italy, scored just one more goal for the national team following the World Cup.
He ended his playing career in Japan with Jubilo Iwata after leaving Inter Milan in 1994. Despite his relatively short time in the international spotlight, Schillaci’s impact on Italian football remains indelible.
Key Points:
- Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci Passes Away: Former Italy striker and 1990 World Cup top scorer, Schillaci, died at 59 after battling bowel cancer.
- Tributes from Juventus and FIGC: Juventus and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) paid tribute to Schillaci, with all Italian matches this weekend observing a “minute of reflection.”
- 1990 World Cup Hero: Schillaci became a national hero after scoring six goals in the 1990 World Cup, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball as the tournament’s top scorer and best player.
- Modest Club Career: Schillaci played for Messina, Juventus, and Inter Milan, with his best season in 1990, before ending his career in Japan with Jubilo Iwata.
- Legacy in Italian Football: Despite a short international career with only 16 caps, Schillaci’s World Cup heroics and memorable goal celebrations left a lasting impact on Italian football.
