Papa Bouba Diop scored the only goal of the match when Senegal shocked the reigning World Cup and European Championship gold medalist France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, and was part of the team that won against Sweden in the round of 16 in the same championship.
Now he has passed away, only 42 years old.
According to information in several foreign media, he has for a long time fought against Charcot-Marie-Tooth's disease, a disease which according to the National Board of Health and Welfare is characterized by "gradual muscle loss and loss of sensation in especially feet, lower legs, hands and arms".
"A World Cup legend"
Diop, who among other things won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, is now mourned by the football world.
Fifa mourns the passing of Senegalese legend Papa Boupa Diop.
Once a World Cup legend, always a World Cup legend ", Fifa writes through its World Cup account on Twitter.
"Rest in peace"
English legend Gary Lineker is another who has shown his participation.
“So terribly sad.
He was taken from us so young.
Rest in peace, Papa Bouba Dio ", he writes on Twitter.
In Senegal, the news has a big impact.
"Your name will forever be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame, alongside great legends.
May God welcome you to his paradise, ”Barthélémy Dias, mayor of Diop's hometown of Mermoz Sacré-Cœur, wrote on social media.