Papa Bouba Diop dead: Former Premier League star dies aged 42 - 7M sport

Papa Bouba Diop dead: Former Premier League star dies aged 42

Former West Ham, Fulham, and Portsmouth star Papa Bouba Diop has died at the age of 42 following a long illness. He is well known for his heroics during the 2002 World Cup with Senegal


Posted Monday, November 30, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Former West Ham, Fulham, and Portsmouth star Papa Bouba Diop has died at the age of 42 following a long illness.

Diop, who was well loved during his Premier League days, is believed to have passed away following a long illness.

He is a Senegalese hero and and is perhaps best known for scoring the first goal of the 2002 World Cup against France.

Diop also played for Birmingham in England having had spells with the likes of AEK Athens and Lens.

During his time with Fulham, the former defensive players was nominated as the club’s player of the year for the 2005-06 season.

Papa Bouba Diop dead: Former Premier League star dies aged 42
Papa Bouba Diop, left, won the FA Cup while with Portsmouth

He became a fans’ favourite at Craven Cottage and was named captain under Chris Coleman.

Following three years in west London, Diop signed a five-year deal with Portsmouth for a fee of £3.5m.

He was a key player as Pompey lifted the FA Cup in 2008 though left following relegation in 2010.

Diop returned to England after a year in Greece with AEK Athens, though made just 16 Championship appearances with West Ham as the Hammers returned to the top tier.

His last club was Birmingham City with Diop having not played since 2013.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was quick to react to the sad news of Diop’s death, writing on Twitter: “How terribly sad. Taken so young. RIP Papa Bouba Diop.”

Diop played 63 times for Senegal scoring 11 goals and became well known following the African country’s run in 2002.

They reached the quarter-finals with Diop scoring three times during the tournament in Japan and South Korea.

Diop also helped his nation reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2002, making his last international appearance in 2008.



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.