Italian Football Legend Salvatore Schillaci Passes Away at 59

Former Italian football striker Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59. Schillaci became a national icon when he led Italy to a third-place finish in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, held in Italy, by becoming the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. News of his death comes after he was taken to a hospital in Palermo last week, due to heart-related issues. The hospital reported that he was receiving treatment to stabilize his heartbeat, following his diagnosis of colon cancer in 2022.

Scoring crucial goals for Italy, Schillaci’s strikes at the World Cup included key victories against Austria, the Republic of Ireland, and a decisive third-place playoff win against England. During the semi-final against Argentina, he scored a memorable goal, although Italy eventually exited the tournament on penalties. Inter Milan, one of his former clubs, issued a statement mourning his loss, highlighting the dreams he inspired during what was fondly remembered as the “Magic Nights” of Italia ’90.

Schillaci’s football career began at Messina and included time at Juventus, where he gained prominence. His later years in football took him to Japan with Júbilo Iwata, where he concluded his professional career. Despite earning only one international cap for Italy before the 1990 World Cup, his stunning performances etched his name in the country’s football history.

Reflecting on his life, Schillaci recounted an unexpected rise to fame. In 2014, he shared his experiences with BBC Sport, recalling how his goals transformed him into Italy’s unlikely hero. As a young man from the poverty-stricken districts of Palermo, his journey to being a football icon was a testament to his hard work and talent. His post-World Cup life saw him briefly play a role as an unofficial ambassador for Italy, although injuries and form issues curtailed his international career.

Despite the brevity of his football career’s zenith, Schillaci embraced the joy he brought to others, remarking on the lasting affection from fans. His iconic “wild eyes” celebrating each goal became a symbol of his fiery passion and indelible mark on Italy’s rich football legacy. “Even if I were to drop out of the Italian team, I will still have with me for the rest of my life the wonderful memories of Italia ’90,” Schillaci once said, reflecting on his treasured accomplishments.