Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci, the legendary Italian footballer who captured the world’s attention during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, has passed away at age 59. Schillaci died on September 18, 2024 at Palermo’s Civic Hospital after a battle with colon cancer. He had been hospitalized for 11 days prior to his death.
Schillaci became a national hero during the 1990 World Cup which was played on Italian soil. As an unexpected standout, he emerged from relative obscurity to become the tournament’s top scorer, earning the Golden Boot with six goals. His thrilling performances, including a crucial goal against Argentina in the semifinals, helped Italy secure a third-place finish. His passionate celebrations made him an enduring symbol of Italian football during what came to be known as the “magic nights” of Italia ’90.
Juventus, the club Schillaci joined in 1989, paid tribute, saying, “We immediately fell in love with Totò. His desire, his story, his being so wonderfully passionate, and it showed in every game he played.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke about Schillaci’s legacy, describing him as a soccer icon who touched the hearts of Italians and sports fans worldwide.
Born in Palermo, Sicily in 1964, Schillaci’s early life was marked by hardship. Raised in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, he found an escape through football, working his way up from lower-league Messina to join Juventus. In his debut season at Juventus (1989-90), Schillaci led the club to victories in both the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup.
Schillaci’s international career was brief but unforgettable. Before the World Cup, he had only played once for the Italian national team. Yet his impact during the tournament was monumental, scoring six of his seven international goals in that single tournament. In addition to winning the Golden Boot, Schillaci was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament and was runner-up for the 1990 Ballon d’Or.
Following his World Cup success, Schillaci played for Inter Milan, where he added another UEFA Cup to his achievements. He later became the first Italian player to join Japan’s J.League, winning the league title with Jubilo Iwata in 1997, before retiring from professional football in 1999.
Thousands of mourners gathered at Palermo’s main cathedral for Schillaci’s funeral, where his coffin was adorned with the jerseys of the clubs he had played for: Messina, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Jubilo Iwata. Former teammates, including Giuseppe Bergomi, and high-profile figures from Italian football attended the service.
Schillaci’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the unforgettable moments of Italia ’90, where he inspired millions.
