Former Benin Republic striker Razak Omotoyossi has died at the age of 39, with his passing confirmed on August 19 in Nigeria — www.naijnaira.com reports.
Omotoyossi represented the Cheetahs between 2004 and 2016, scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances to become the country’s second-highest scorer behind Stephane Sessegnon.
Tributes poured in across Africa and Europe after news broke, with Metz, Helsingborg, and Syrianska among his former clubs mourning his death.
Metz said in a statement, “The club would like to express its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Swedish side Helsingborgs IF wrote, “We have been informed that our former player, Razak Omotoyossi, has passed away at the age of 39. Rest in peace, Razak.”
Syrianska FC also expressed sadness, calling the news “extremely tragic.”
The striker’s career spanned 15 clubs, including Zamalek, Al-Nassr, and FC Sheriff, while his Ligue 2 spell at Metz in 2009/10 saw him feature in 28 matches.
Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare revealed the player had battled depression and illness, worsened by personal tragedies.
“Razak Omotoyossi’s brother tells me that the 39-year-old Benin Republic football legend had been battling depression and illness,” Oludare wrote on X.
He had recently lost his home in a fire and his elder sister just weeks before his death.
Born in Lagos to Nigerian parents, Omotoyossi switched allegiance to Benin after receiving a five-year ban from the Nigeria Football Federation early in his career.
Former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh and journalist Oluwashina Okeleji both described him as a gifted striker who endured many struggles in later years.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
