Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, Italy’s star from the 1990 FIFA World Cup, has passed away at the age of 59 after a battle with bowel cancer. Schillaci’s former clubs, Juventus and Inter Milan, confirmed his death on Wednesday, marking the end of a storied life in football.
Schillaci became a household name during the 1990 World Cup held in Italy, where his stellar performances earned him the Golden Boot. He scored six goals during the tournament, leading the Azzurri to a third-place finish and capturing the hearts of football fans around the globe.
“A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world,” wrote Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on X (formerly Twitter). Juventus also honored Schillaci, stating, “We immediately fell in love with Toto… We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did.” Schillaci’s passionate goal celebrations became emblematic of Italy’s memorable World Cup run, which ended in a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Argentina.
Initially a substitute, Schillaci quickly became the central figure for Italy’s national team, scoring the decisive goal in their opening match against Austria. Though he became a World Cup legend, Schillaci only added one more goal to his international tally before retiring from the national team soon after. His club career was also marked by success, winning the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup with Juventus, followed by another UEFA Cup title with Inter Milan.
Serie A President Lorenzo Casini paid tribute, saying, “He was a champion who lit up the ‘magic nights’ of Italia ’90.” After his European career, Schillaci made history as the first Italian player in Japan’s J-League, where he won a title with Jubilo Iwata in 1997 before retiring in 1999.
Schillaci’s legacy will forever be associated with his incredible performances during the 1990 World Cup, a tournament that cemented his place in football history.
