Former Premier League star Papa Bouba Diop has passed away at the age of 42.
According to a number of reports, Bouba Diop had been suffering with a long-time illness, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
His former club, RC Lens, paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “It is with great sadness that Racing Club de Lens has just learned of the disappearance of its former player Papa Bouba Diop , at the age of 42.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
So too did world governing body FIFA, who declared: “FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.
“Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero.”
Diop became a national hero when he scored the goal which saw Senegal beat France 1-0 in their opening World Cup game in 2002.
RIP
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Sad exit