Beninese football legend Razak Omotoyossi passes away

African and Beninese football legend Razak Omotoyossi suddenly passed away in the morning hours of Tuesday at the age of 39. The Nigerian-born former Benin national team striker had a career that spanned more than a decade and a half.

The cause of Omotoyossi’s sudden passing is not yet revealed, but Beninese media houses claimed it is related to depression. The 39-year-old former forward played for clubs in Sweden, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Albania, France, Morocco, and his native country. He made a name after a brilliant performance for the Benin U-20 national side in the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he led the attacking line for his country.

Omotoyossi, nicknamed Omogoal, is the second-highest goal scorer for the Benin national side with 21 goals to his name. He won the 2007 top goal scorer award in Sweden’s Allsvenskan while playing for Helsingborg. He also helped Benin qualify for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

His passing shocked many in African football. His former club FC Metz sent their condolences: “The club wishes to express its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”