Former Senegal, Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has died aged 42.

Bouba Diop made 129 appearances in the Premier League and also had spells in England with West Ham and Birmingham City.

He played for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup and scored the winner in the tournament's opening game as his country beat France 1-0.

"Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero," Fifa posted on social media.

A post on Fulham's Twitter account said the club was "devastated" and, using Bouba Diop's nickname, added: "Rest well, Wardrobe."

BBC

WHO IS PAPA BOUBA DIOP?

Papa Bouba Diop (28 January 1978 – 29 November 2020) was a Senegalese professional footballer. His preferred position was defensive midfield but he could also play as a centre back, where he previously played at Lens. Diop was considered a strong and aggressive player.

His playing style and ability drew comparisons to Patrick Vieira. Diop's second of a total of 11 international goals for Senegal came in a 1–0 defeat of then-world champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, in Senegal's first ever match at the FIFA World Cup.

Wikipedia

Bouba Diop played for RC Lens, Fulham, Portsmouth, AEK Athens, West Ham United, Birmingham City, amongst others

We are devastated to hear news reports this evening that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away, aged 42.

Rest well, Wardrobe �

Fulham FC

FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.

Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero.

FIFA WorldCup

Everyone at West Ham United is saddened to learn of the passing of Papa Bouba Diop at just 42.

A part of our 2011/12 promotion-winning squad, he'll always be a part of our Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Rest in peace, Papa ❤️

West Ham United

We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Papa Bouba Diop at the age of 42.

Our thoughts are with Papa’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. �

Birmingham City

� We’re devastated to hear reports that FA Cup winner Papa Bouba Diop has passed away after a long illness, aged just 42

Rest in peace, The Wardrobe ��

#Pompey

Portsmouth FC

It is with great sadness that the Racing Club de Lens has just learned of the disappearance of its former player Papa Bouba #Diop, at the age of 42 years. We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones. �❤️� #LensoisPourToujours #rclens

RC Lens

We send you all our thoughts in this painful time and send our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones �

Toulouse FC

Papa Bouba Diop scored Senegal's first World Cup goal against then holders, France.
Senegal were pitched in Group A against France, Denmark and Uruguay.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBkN-Dyx58

Fare thee well, Papa; as you join Bruno Metsu.

#RIP

Another lost for the football world. Goodnight Papa Diop!

Everything about Papa Bouba Diop was a competition...his drive and competitive spirit was unrivalled. If Patrick Vieira could do it, he too could.
He put his mind to the game and chased balls (in the pitch and on the bed) like no man's business.

It's sad he took the competitive spirit to the grave because a part of me thinks he wanted to check if his death will trend more than Maradona's death

He just chose to die at the wrong time because the world is still busy mourning Maradona so there'd be little or no sympathy for him.
Farewell 'The Wardrobe'.
Too bad you stayed and died in the closet but I don't blame you because everyone hates a homo.

Indomie-no-go-know-am...

Rest on

RIP

It is appointed for men to die once

I remember that goal he scored again France. The guy risked his leg to force the ball into the net. He could have easily hit his leg against the post and break some bones.

Rest well african legend

2 wc goal scorers dead in a week

Rip to him

NwaAmaikpe:




This one chose to die at the wrong time.
The world is still busy mourning Maradona...they'd be little or no symptahy for him.

Rest Well, Papa. Man was a midfield dynamo.

This 2020 get as he be ooo.

NwaAmaikpe:




This one chose to die at the wrong time.
The world is still busy mourning Maradona...they'd be little or no symptahy for him.

Did he choose to die? Stop typing rubbish everywhere.

Nawa o, from maradonna to dioup, its well rest on African legend

.



That niggar that use to score long range goals

RIP niggar



.

God rest his soul. Amen

Hmm

Oh no. I think he scored the first goal at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. RIP.

R.I.p

The fvck

Niggarr!!

We must go when the most high call us.

RIP DIOP!!!

I read this earlier and was SHOCKED
RIP.

This guy brought joy to our hearts in Korea and Japan ,2002

NwaAmaikpe:




This one chose to die at the wrong time.
The world is still busy mourning Maradona...they'd be little or no symptahy for him.

Is He God. Be civil bro.

RIP I rmba that goal against France in 2002

who told you he chose to die



quote author=NwaAmaikpe post=96569547]



Everything about Papa Bouba Diop was a competition...his drive and competitive spirit was unrivalled. If Patrick Vieira could do it...he too could.
He put his mind to the game and chased balls (in the pitch and on the bed) like no man's business.

It's sad he took the competitive spirit to the grave because a part of me thinks he wanted to check if his death will trend more than Maradona's death

But I think he chose to die at the wrong time because the world is still busy mourning Maradona...they'd be little or no sympathy for him.
[/quote]