By Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci, the Italian striker who became an unexpected hero and top scorer at the 1990 World Cup, died Wednesday at the age of 59, the Palermo Civico hospital confirmed.
Schillaci had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer and was admitted to the hospital 11 days before his passing.
Rising to fame during the 1990 World Cup hosted by Italy, Schillaci embodied the spirit of an underdog exceeding expectations on soccer’s grandest stage. He scored six goals in the tournament, claiming the Golden Boot as top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player, surpassing soccer legends Lothar Matthaus and Diego Maradona.
Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina announced that a minute of silence would be observed before all matches in Italy for the rest of the week to honor Schillaci’s memory. “The uncontrollable celebrations, in which his face was the symbol of shared joy, will remain forever part of Italian soccer (history),” Gravina stated.
Schillaci’s journey to World Cup stardom was remarkable. He had only one cap for Italy before the tournament and had never scored for the national team. His World Cup performance catapulted him to international fame, with his expressive eyes and passionate play capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni paid tribute on social media, thanking Schillaci “for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, cheer, hug and wave our Tricolore.”
Throughout his club career, Schillaci played for Messina, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Japanese team Jubilo Iwata. Both Juventus and Inter Milan shared condolences on their social media channels, highlighting Schillaci’s role in Italy’s magical nights during the 1990 World Cup.
Fellow Italian soccer star Roberto Baggio, who played alongside Schillaci in the 1990 World Cup, shared a poignant message on Instagram: “Ciao my dear friend.”
Born and raised in Palermo, Schillaci will be honored with a public viewing at the city’s Renzo Barbera stadium before his funeral, allowing fans to pay their final respects to the local hero who became a national icon.
Schillaci’s legacy in Italian soccer extends beyond his remarkable World Cup performance, symbolizing the power of determination and the unpredictable magic of the beautiful game.
