Italian football legend Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, the top scorer at the 1990 World Cup, is dead.
Schillaci, 59, became a household name after netting six goals in the 1990 tournament hosted by Italy, earning the prestigious Golden Boot. Though Italy fell in the semi-finals, he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, cementing his status as a national hero.
Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022, Schillaci represented Italy 16 times, scoring seven goals. After beginning his career at Messina, he played for top clubs Juventus and Inter Milan.
Juventus, where Schillaci signed in 1989, paid tribute: “We immediately fell in love with Toto. His passion, his story, his unwavering desire—he showed it in every game he played. We at Juve were lucky to witness his brilliance before the entire nation fell in love with him during that unforgettable summer of 1990.”
Schillaci’s World Cup journey began with a goal off the bench against Austria. After another substitute appearance against the U.S., he earned a starting role, teaming up with Roberto Baggio. His goal-scoring prowess continued, with key goals against Uruguay and Ireland propelling Italy through the knockout stages. Although he opened the scoring in the semi-final against Argentina, Italy ultimately lost in a penalty shootout. Schillaci secured the Golden Boot with his sixth goal in the third-place match against England.
He finished second to Germany’s Lothar Matthäus in the 1990 Ballon d’Or race.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked, “We’ve lost a football icon, a man who touched the hearts of Italians and fans worldwide. He was the striker of those magical Italia ‘90 nights, giving us moments of joy and national pride.”
Serie A president Lorenzo Casini called Schillaci “a champion who illuminated the magical nights of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.” He praised Schillaci’s determination as an inspiration for young athletes pursuing dreams of reaching Serie A.
Schillaci scored just one more goal for Italy after the 1990 World Cup and never returned to major international tournaments. He later became the first Italian to play in Japan’s J-League before retiring in 1999.
Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), said: “Toto’s face was a symbol of shared joy, and his legacy will remain a treasured part of Italian football. His tenacity and passion inspired fans, making him not only a great footballer but an enduring symbol of hope and resilience.”