Former Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, who scored the first goal of the 2002 World Cup against reigning champions France, has died aged 42, soccer’s governing body FIFA said on Sunday.
“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 said in a statement on Twitter.
The world ruling body did not provide details but multiple media reports said Diop had died following a long illness.
Diop’s close-range goal after 30 minutes against France in the opening game of the 2002 finals sealed a 1-0 win for the World Cup debutants in one of the upsets of the tournament. France went out in the group stage without scoring.
Diop netted two more goals in Senegal’s 3-3 draw with Uruguay in the group stage to become their top scorer at the 2002 finals as they went on to reach the quarter-finals.
The versatile defensive midfielder made 63 appearances for his country scoring 11 goals.
