Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, the celebrated Italian striker and top scorer of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 59 after a battle with colon cancer. Schillaci, whose six goals during the tournament earned him the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, passed away on Wednesday morning in Palermo, where he had been hospitalized.
Schillaci’s meteoric rise to global fame came during the 1990 World Cup, where his goals led Italy to the semi-finals, cementing his status as a national hero. Although Italy fell short of the title, his energetic celebrations and decisive performances captivated fans around the world.
Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022, Schillaci had been undergoing treatment before being admitted to the hospital last week. His former club, Juventus, where he played from 1989 to 1992, paid tribute to him in an emotional statement, saying: “We immediately fell in love with Toto. His passion for the game, his relentless energy, and his incredible story inspired us all. Italy, and the world, will never forget that unforgettable summer of 1990.”
Schillaci’s legacy as a footballing icon remains strong, and his contributions to the game will continue to be celebrated for generations.
