World Cup legend Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci has died at the age of 59 following a battle with colon cancer.
The Italian icon, who dazzled fans during the 1990 World Cup held in Italy, had a remarkable career playing for Juventus and Inter, amassing 384 appearances and scoring 159 goals. That summer, he transformed from a relative unknown into a star player for the Azzurri.
Schillaci ended the tournament as the Golden Boot winner, scoring six goals and earning the Player of the Tournament award. However, despite his success, he struggled in subsequent seasons, managing only eight goals in 42 matches for Juventus.
After a stint at Inter, he concluded his playing career in Japan with Jubilo Iwata, where he enjoyed renewed success. Following his retirement, he returned to his hometown of Palermo and established a youth football academy.
Diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago, Schillaci faced a significant setback this month when he was hospitalized due to atrial arrhythmia.
On Wednesday morning, Inter Milan shared a heartfelt tribute, stating: “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia 90.
“FC Internazionale Milano gathers around the Schillaci family for the passing of Toto.”
Juventus expressed their sorrow as well, saying: “Salvatore Schillaci left us today; too soon, too soon, at 59 years old.
“We fell in love with Toto right away.
“With his desire, his story, his passion, and you could see it in every game he played.
“We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, enchanted by his wonderfully energetic celebrations.
“Because Toto arrived at Juve in ’89, and in that season he scored 15 goals in the league, 4 in the UEFA Cup and 2 in the Italian Cup. Numbers that, in fact, earned him the blue jersey in the Italian World Cup, which – also thanks to him – became what we all remember as the month of the “Magic Nights”.’
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted: “A football icon leaves us, a man who entered the hearts of Italians and sports lovers around the world.
“Salvatore Schillaci, known to all as Toto, the bomber of the magical nights of Italia ’90 with our National team.
“Thank you for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, cheer, hug and wave our Tricolore. Have a good trip, champion.”
The Mayor of Palermo added: “With the premature passing of Toto Schillaci, the city mourns the loss of the most representative Palermo footballer in history at a global level.
“A popularity that, however, has never changed Schillaci, who has always maintained a kind, humble and helpful soul.”
In tribute, Serie A announced that a minute of silence will be observed at matches this weekend. Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation, emphasized that Schillaci’s legacy of joy and passion for the game will endure.
He is survived by three children: Jessica, Mattia, and Nicole. At 25, Schillaci entered the 1990 World Cup with just one cap and the squad number 19, emerging as a national hero by the tournament’s end.
After his playing days, he enjoyed a renaissance, appearing on talk shows and even portraying a mafia boss in a popular drama series.
Schillaci will be remembered as a beloved figure in Italian football, whose remarkable performances during the 1990 World Cup captured the hearts of a nation.
