Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, the former Italy forward renowned for his performance in the 1990 World Cup, has passed away at the age of 59.
The Palermo hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for colon cancer, confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday.
Schillaci gained international acclaim during the 1990 World Cup held in Italy, where he made a significant impact by scoring six goals and earning the tournament’s golden boot.
Despite Italy’s third-place finish, Schillaci’s outstanding individual contributions were recognized as he was awarded the golden ball for being the best player of the tournament, surpassing notable figures such as Lothar Matthäus and Diego Maradona.
“A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world,” Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X.
“Salvatore Schillaci, known by everyone as Toto, the striker from the magic nights of Italia ’90 with our national team. Thanks for the emotions you gave us, for having made us dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag. Bon voyage, champion.”
Schillaci later added just one more goal to his international tally, which came against Norway the following year.
Hailing from Palermo, Schillaci also had a successful club career in Italy, with significant achievements at Juventus and Inter Milan.
“Palermo FC, with President Dario Mirri and the entire City Football Group family, express their deepest condolences for the premature passing of Salvatore Schillaci and join in the grief of Francesco Di Mariano’s family,” Palermo said in a statement.
During his club career, Schillaci secured a UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia with Juventus and later claimed another UEFA Cup with Inter Milan.
He concluded his playing days in Japan, where he achieved a J-League title with Jubilo Iwata in 1997.
In 2022, Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer and was hospitalized at Palermo Civico in early September.
“He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia ’90,” Inter said.
“FC Internazionale Milano gathers around the Schillaci family for the passing of Totò.”