Toto' Schillaci: A Football Icon's Legacy Lives On

Toto' Schillaci: A Brilliant Career

Former Italy and Juventus striker Toto' Schillaci, a star of the 1990 World Cup on his home soil, has died at the age of 59.

Schillaci led Italy to their third-place finish in 1990, winning the Golden Boot for his six goals during the tournament, including in the semi-final against Argentina and in their third-place victory over England.

He scored the only goal of the game as the hosts overcame the Republic of Ireland in the quarter-finals.

A Tribute to a Legend

“A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world,” Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X.

“Salvatore Schillaci, known by everyone as Toto, the striker from the magic nights of Italia '90 with our national team. Thanks for the emotions you gave us, for having made us dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag. Bon voyage, champion.”

The Sicilian's wide eyes as he celebrated his goals became one of the enduring images of that World Cup.

Schillaci was awarded the Golden Ball as player of the tournament and was later named as the runner-up for the 1990 Ballon d'Or men's player of the year award, behind World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus of West Germany.

He had started Italy's opening World Cup game as a substitute but came off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 victory over Austria.

After the excitement of 1990, Schillaci scored only one more goal for Italy and did not appear for them at any other major tournaments.