Papa Bouba Diop: Senegal World Cup hero dies aged 42
Diop, the former Senegal midfielder who scored the first goal of the 2002 World Cup against France,
has died at the age of 42. World football’s governing body posted a tribute to Diop on Twitter. “Fifa is saddened
to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop,”
Read Also: British office worker ‘died’ having a boob job in Turkey
Papa Bouba Diop played for Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham, and Birmingham, the midfielder scored a goal to
beat France in Senegal’s first World Cup match in 2002
Senegal president Macky Sall paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “The death of Pape Bouba Diop is a great
loss for Senegal.
“I pay tribute to a good footballer, respected by all for his courtesy and his talent, proudly reminding us of the
Lions saga in 2002. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and the football world.”
Liverpool star Sadio Mane wrote on Instagram: “Bouba, it was with a broken heart that we learned of your
(death). Know that you will forever remain in our hearts even if you left without saying goodbye to us.”
