Italian football legend Salvatore Schillaci, renowned for being the top goal scorer at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, has sadly passed away at the age of 59.
Affectionately known as ‘Toto’, Schillaci netted six goals during the tournament held on home soil, securing the prestigious Golden Boot award. Although Italy fell short in the semi-finals, Schillaci’s remarkable performance earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, elevating him to hero status among fans.
In 2022, Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer, a battle he faced courageously. Throughout his career, he represented Italy on 16 occasions, scoring a total of seven goals. His club career began at Messina, and he later played for two of Italy’s most iconic teams, Juventus and Inter Milan.
Juventus, the club he joined in 1989, expressed their deep admiration for Schillaci, stating: “We immediately fell in love with Toto. His passion, determination, and incredible story were evident in every match he played. At Juve, we were fortunate to experience his brilliance before the entirety of Italy became captivated during that unforgettable summer of 1990, drawn in by his electrifying celebrations.”
Schillaci’s journey in the 1990 World Cup began when he scored his first goal as a substitute against Austria. His impressive performance earned him a starting spot against the Czech Republic after another substitute appearance against the United States. Partnering with Roberto Baggio up front, Schillaci continued to shine, scoring goals that helped Italy advance through the knockout stages, including key contributions against Uruguay and the Republic of Ireland in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-finals against Argentina, Schillaci opened the scoring, but Italy ultimately lost in a penalty shootout in Naples. However, he secured the Golden Boot with his sixth goal during the third-place playoff against England. In recognition of his outstanding play, he finished as the runner-up to Germany’s Lothar MatthΓ€us for the prestigious 1990 Ballon d’Or award.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute, stating: “A football icon leaves us, a man who has touched the hearts of Italians and sports fans worldwide. The striker from the magical nights of Italia ’90 with our national team. Thank you for the emotions you gave us, for allowing us to dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag.”
Lorenzo Casini, president of Serie A, noted Schillaci’s impact, calling him “a champion who illuminated the magical nights of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.” He emphasized that Schillaci’s relentless pursuit of excellence in football continues to inspire countless young athletes chasing their dreams of playing in Serie A.
Although Schillaci would only score one additional goal for Italy and did not represent his country at another major tournament, he made history as the first Italian player to compete in Japan’s J-League before retiring in 1999.
Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), reflected on Schillaci’s legacy, stating, “His face symbolized shared joy and will forever remain part of Italy’s football heritage. Toto was a remarkable footballer, a tenacious figure of will and redemption. His passionate style of play thrilled Azzurri fans, and it is this indomitable spirit that will ensure his enduring legacy.”
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