Former Senegalese international Pape Bouba Diop has died aged 42 after a long time illness, according to multiple reports.
His death is coming at the time the entire football world is still mourning the exit of Argentine great, Diego Armando Maradona.
Diop was part of the Senegalese golden generation in 2000 that stood out at the 2002 World Cup after scoring the country’s debut goal at the tournament. It was his lone goal that gave Senegal the victory against defending champions France
Diop, who was born in Rufisque, Dakar started his football career with junior team Ndeffann Saltigue before joining ASC Diaraf of the Senegal Premier League in 1996.
The 2002 World Cup hero had spells at England, France, Switzerland and Greece.
He first arrived in English football when he joined Fulham from Lens in 2004. He later joined Portsmouth in 2007 and after a stint with AEK Athens returned to the top flight by joining West Ham in 2011.
Diop who has 63 caps and scored 11 goals for Senegal, also played for Fulham, Portsmouth, AEK Athens, West Ham and Birmingham city.
