Rest in peace, Papa: Senegal World Cup footballer Papa Bouba Diop dies at 42

Papa Bouba Diop, who scored the goal which secured Senegal a historic 1-0 win over France in their opening FIFA World Cup match in 2002, died on Sunday at the age of 42. 

According to Goal.com, Diop passed away following a long illness. Diop, who won 63 caps for Senegal.

The midfielder joined Fulham from Lens two years later and excelled as a powerful defensive midfield enforcer. He then went on to make 98 Premier League appearances for Fulham and scored 10 goals.

He played a further 53 times in the top flight after joining Portsmouth in 2007 where he became an FA Cup winner 12 months later. 

Diop then had a spell with AEK Athens before signing for West Ham United in 2011 and enjoyed a brief stint at Birmingham City. 

Fulham expressed grief over the demise of Diop and tweeted: "We are devastated to hear news reports this evening that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away, aged 42. Rest well, Wardrobe." 

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

Rest well, Wardrobe pic.twitter.com/rvU53Vqkmn

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) November 29, 2020

Meanwhile, West Ham United wrote: "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."

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 pic.twitter.com/2S1mwMR17c

— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 29, 2020