Renowned Beninese international footballer Razak Omotoyossi has died at the age of 38, authorities in Benin have confirmed. The cause of death has not yet been made public.
Born in Nigeria but representing Benin at international level, Omotoyossi became one of the nation’s most iconic football figures. He earned 55 caps and scored 21 goals for the national team, placing him among the country’s all-time leading scorers.
He gained continental fame during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, notably scoring all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo. That performance made him joint top scorer of the qualification campaign alongside Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o.
At club level, Omotoyossi’s career spanned multiple countries. He played in Sweden for Helsingborgs IF, featuring in the UEFA Champions League, and later joined FC Metz in France. His professional journey also took him to South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Moldova.
Known for his relentless work ethic and sharp finishing, Omotoyossi was celebrated for his commitment to the sport and for his decision to represent Benin over his country of birth.
Tributes have poured in from across the African football community, remembering Omotoyossi not only as a talented striker but also as a symbol of determination and national pride.
