Former Italy striker Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci has died aged 59, the Palermo hospital where he was being treated for colon cancer said in a statement on Wednesday.
Schillaci rose to international fame at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where he excelled with his performance. Azurriscoring six goals to win the golden boot.
Italy finished third in the tournament, but Schillaci's personal efforts were rewarded, beating Lothar Matthäus and Diego Maradona to win the Ballon d'Or as the tournament's best player.
“A football icon has left us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X.
“Salvatore Schillaci, known to everyone as Toto, the striker of the magical nights of Italia '90 with our national team. Thank you for the emotions you have given us, for having made us dream, celebrate, embrace and wave our national flag. Have a good trip, champion.”
The following year he would only score one more goal for the national team, against Norway.
Born in Palermo, Schillaci also enjoyed success at club level for several Italian clubs, most notably with Juventus and Inter Milan.
“Palermo FC, with President Dario Mirri and the entire City Football Group family, express their deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Salvatore Schillaci and join the grief of Francesco Di Mariano's family,” Palermo said in a statement.
He won a UEFA Cup and a Coppa Italia with Juve before adding another UEFA Cup title with Inter.
Schillaci finished his career in Japan, winning a J-League title with Jubilo Iwata in 1997.
In 2022, Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer and in early September he was admitted to the Civico Hospital in Palermo.
“He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italy '90,” Inter said.
“FC Internazionale Milano is rallying around the Schillaci family on the passing of Totò.”
Associated Press information contributed to this report.
