The first Senegalese scorer in the history of the World Cup in 2002, Papa Bouba Diop, died this Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. in Lyon, France. Only 42 years old, the young “gaindé” was swept away by a long illness called Charcot. Back on the remarkable journey of a young person from Rufisque in Senegal, who made a whole people vibrate.
In 1994, Papa Bouba Diop played with the Rufisque club, Ndeffann Saltigue. Two years later, he joined the emblematic club of the Senegalese capital, the Diaraf of Dakar. Subsequently, he went to Switzerland where he played with the Grasshopper and became champion at the end of the 2000/2001 season.
It was in 2002 that Papa Bouba Diop made a name for himself in Senegal by scoring the only historic goal during the World Cup during the match between Senegal and France on May 31 in South Korea. The celebration of his goal was even taken up by the young people at the time to express their joy to see the Senegal team reach the quarterfinals, a first in its history. The colonized country defeated the old colony with great irony.
After this memorable World Cup with this golden generation of 2002, he left for England where he spent three seasons at Fulham (from 2004 to 2007), then three years with Porthmouth.
In 2010, he left England for the Greek club AEK Athens for one season: 2010/2011. However, he ended his career in England first with West Ham United from 2011 to 2012 and then with Bermingham City between 2012 and 2013.
The Senegalese people have lost a man who will forever mark the history of the country’s football. Since his death, testimonies and tributes follow one another. His teammates at the time who describe his countless sporting and football qualities on the pitch and in everyday life. Many political figures have expressed their complete satisfaction in the course of the executioner of France.
In his career, Papa Bouba Diop had 63 caps with the Senegal national team. He scored 11 goals in all competitions.
From the city of Rufisque to Birmingham, Papa Bouba Diop’s career as a high-level athlete has been rich in experiences at the level of football clubs in Switzerland, England, France and Greece, including the national team. from Senegal.
Last news, his family in Senegal, wish to repatriate his body in order to organize his funeral in his native land. A moment that the supporters are waiting to pay him a last deserved tribute. Rest in peace great Lion.
