Razak Omotoyossi, the Nigerian-born striker who became one of Benin Republic’s greatest-ever footballers, has died at the age of 39.
Authorities in Benin confirmed his passing on Tuesday, August 19. His former club, Helsingborgs IF, also announced the news, writing on X:
“Helsingborgs IF is in mourning. We have been informed that our former player Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare disclosed that Omotoyossi’s brother confirmed the sad development, noting that the former striker had been battling depression and illness in recent months.
“For context, he tragically lost his home to a fire in July, and just two weeks ago, his sister also,” Oludare wrote on X.
Born in Nigeria, Omotoyossi switched allegiance to Benin after beginning his career in the Nigerian league. He went on to make history, scoring 21 goals in 55 international appearances to rank among Benin’s all-time top scorers.
He is best remembered for his heroics in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he scored all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 win over Togo and finished as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o. Omotoyossi also etched his name in history as the first player to score for Benin at the AFCON finals.
At club level, he enjoyed a journeyman career across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, turning out in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France. He particularly shone for Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before earning a move to French side FC Metz.
Omotoyossi’s death has drawn tributes from across the football world, with many remembering him as a trailblazer who put Benin football on the map.