Former Italy soccer star Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci has died at the age of 59, according to a statement from the Palermo hospital where he was being treated for colon cancer. Palermo Civico Hospital announced in a statement that Schillaci passed away on the morning of September 18, 11 days after being admitted.

Ha fatto sognare una nazione intera durante le Notti Magiche di Italia ‘90 🇮🇹💙FC Internazionale Milano si stringe intorno alla famiglia Schillaci per la scomparsa di Totò.#FCIM pic.twitter.com/PtxE7zWHod

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) September 18, 2024

Schillaci, who played forward, gained international fame during the 1990 World Cup, held in Italy. He was the star of the tournament for the Azzurri, scoring six goals and winning the golden boot as the top scorer. Though Italy finished third, Schillaci’s standout performances earned him the golden ball as the tournament’s best player, ahead of football legends Lothar Matthäus and Diego Maradona.

Schillaci was born in Palermo, Italy. He played at the club level for other Italian clubs, he is most remembered for his time with Juventus and Inter Milan.

Schillaci won both the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia during his time with Juventus, later adding another UEFA Cup title with Inter Milan.

Il Palermo FC, con il presidente Dario Mirri e tutta la famiglia City Football Group, esprime il proprio grande cordoglio per la prematura scomparsa di Salvatore Schillaci e si stringe al dolore della famiglia di Francesco Di Mariano. pic.twitter.com/ibH5QKuXYN

— Palermo F.C. (@Palermofficial) September 18, 2024

Before his breakout in the 1990 World Cup, Schillaci had a relatively modest club career, playing for teams such as Messina and Juventus. Though his career at the international level was short-lived, with only 16 appearances and 7 goals for Italy, his impact during the World Cup cemented his legacy in football history.

He concluded his playing career in Japan, where he won a J-League title with Júbilo Iwata in 1997.

Ci lascia un’icona del calcio, un uomo entrato nel cuore degli italiani e degli amanti dello sport nel mondo. Salvatore Schillaci, per tutti Totò, il bomber delle notti magiche di Italia ’90 con la nostra Nazionale. Grazie per le emozioni che ci hai regalato, per averci fatto… pic.twitter.com/3CWIACgAth

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 18, 2024

In 2022, Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Schillaci’s unforgettable run in the 1990 World Cup left a lasting mark on Italian football and endeared him to fans across the world. His passing marks the loss of a football icon who will be remembered for his passion, skill, and ability to rise to the occasion when his country needed him most.

Rest In Peace.