Former Portsmouth, West Ham and Fulham star Papa Bouba Diop, known for scoring Senegal’s famous goal to beat France in the 2002 World Cup, has reportedly passed away aged just 42.
According to a number of reports, Bouba Diop had been suffering with a long-time illness, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Papa winning the FA Cup with Portsmouth.
The midfielder first arrived in English football when he joined Fulham from Lens in 2004, becoming known as “The Wardrobe” at Craven Cottage.
He joined Portsmouth in 2007 where he won the FA cup and after a stint with AEK Athens returned to English football by joining West Ham in 2011 and helping them win promotion back to the Premier League.
After one season with the Hammers, he joined Birmingham City before being released in January 2013.
Former club Fulham stated:
“We are devastated to hear news reports this evening that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away, aged 42. Rest well, Wardrobe”.
RIP Papa, gone far too soon x
