Tributes have been paid as ex-Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham and Birmingham player Papa Bouba Diop dies, it has been confirmed.
It’s unfortunate to say that the well loved former Senegal international has passed away following a long illness.
He was well loved during his Premier League days, is to have passed away at the age of 42 according to reports emerging on Sunday afternoon.
He is a Senegalese hero and is perhaps best known for scoring the first goal of the 2002 World Cup against France.
Diop was part of the Teranga Lions side that stunned reigning world champions France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, scoring the only goal of the game to secure one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition.
Senegal reached the quarter-final of the tournament, with Diop going on to score twice in a 3-3 group-stage draw with Uruguay before they were eventually eliminated by Turkey in the final eight.
Who can forget this classic moment with Chris Karama on Sky Sports all those years ago…
Youth career
1994–1995 – Ndeffann Saltigue
1995–1996 – ASC Diaraf
Senior career*
1996–1999 – ASC Diaraf
1999–2000 – Vevey
2000–2001 – Neuchâtel Xamax – 19 apps (4 goals)
2001–2002 – Grasshoppers – 29 apps (5 goals)
2002–2004 – Lens – 47 apps (6 goals)
2004–2007 – Fulham – 76 apps (8 goals)
2007–2010 – Portsmouth – 53 apps (0 goals)
2010–2011 – AEK Athens – 19 apps (1 goal)
2011–2012 – West Ham United – 16 apps (1 goal)
2012–2013 – Birmingham City – 2 apps (1 goal)
Total – 261 apps (26 goals)
National team
2001–2008 – Senegal – 63 apps (11 goals)
Diop played 63 times for Senegal scoring 11 goals and became well known following the African country’s run in 2002.
They reached the quarter-finals with Diop scoring three times during the tournament in Japan and South Korea.
Diop also helped his nation reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2002, making his last international appearance in 2008.
Honours
Grasshopper Club Zürich
Swiss Super League: 2000–01
Portsmouth
FA Cup: 2007–08
AEK Athens
Greek Cup: 2010–11
West Ham United
Football League Championship play-offs: 2012
Senegal
Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2002
As mentioned, tributes were paid as the ex-Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham and Birmingham player sadly dies…
How terribly sad. Taken so young. RIP Papa Bouba Diop. https://t.co/5QgGgedMSM
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 29, 2020
RIP Papa Bouba Diop 💔
His last minute screamer for Fulham vs Man Utd in 2004, will go down as an iconic goal in Premier League history ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/X5lhmYaz9j
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) November 29, 2020
We are devastated to hear that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away.
Thank you for the memories Papa. You were a wonderful player and taken far too young.
We will never forget you. #FFC | #TheWardrobe 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/1h0dKmArXm
— Fulham Focus (@Fulham_Focus) November 29, 2020
Remembering Papa Bouba Diop who has sadly passed away pic.twitter.com/p9yqYcHDrz
— FootballAwaydays (@Awaydays23) November 29, 2020
THE most underrated player of the the most successful period in Pompey’s modern history. An absolute unit of a player, and more skilful that he was ever given credit for.
Rest in Peace Papa Bouba Diop and thanks for the memories 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/gVkKc2XdDC
— Pompey Pedro (@PompeyPedro) November 29, 2020
Papa Bouba Diop. Always smiling. What a man. May his beautiful smile bless us from heaven. I’m heartbroken. Rest in Peace my friend. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X7R8efJE4o
— Liam Rosenior (@rosenior_liam23) November 29, 2020
Papa Bouba Diop has passed away. I can’t believe it. Rest in peace ⚒ pic.twitter.com/kB0JmbunMd
— #GSBOUT West Ham Central #GSBOUT (@WestHam_Central) November 29, 2020
Devastated to have just read the news that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away. Didn’t know he’d been ill and, at 42 years of age, he’s been taken too young. We used to have a good chuckle together about me calling him “The Man Mountain Himself” RIP Papa
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) November 29, 2020
The Wardrobe is no more. Papa Bouba Diop who scored the winning goal for Senegal in that opening day win t the 2002 World Cup for Senegal against France has passed away at the age of 42. pic.twitter.com/leePhqQJfD
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) November 29, 2020
💙 We’re devastated to hear reports that FA Cup winner Papa Bouba Diop has passed away after a long illness, aged just 42
Rest in peace, The Wardrobe 🇸🇳 #Pompey pic.twitter.com/YC8sjhRugK
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) November 29, 2020
Horrible news today of my former teammate Papa Bouba Diop, was a privilege to share a dressing room with him and such a nice man off the field, RIP big man #RIP
— Jamie Ohara (@Mrjamieohara1) November 29, 2020
Terrible news. Papa Bouba Diop was superb for the Senegal side who lit up the 2002 World Cup. Great servant to Fulham, FA Cup winner with Portsmouth. Only 42. Thoughts with his family and friends. RIP. https://t.co/41QHujWoMO
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 29, 2020
One of the most iconic celebrations in World Cup history. RIP Papa Bouba Diop 🇸🇳🙏 pic.twitter.com/MlWckfRO3P
— C (@CharneIo) November 29, 2020
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Papa Bouba Diop. A beautiful person, Bouba had a smile that would energise you for the day and a personality as big as his frame. I treasure that hug and chat we had at Fratton Park in 2008. Please RIP my friend Bouba.
— MarkMaunders (@MarkMaunders) November 29, 2020
You must be logged in to post a comment Login