Razak Omotoyossi: Popular African Footballer Tragically Dies at 39 After Battling Illness
- Popular African football star, Razak Omotoyossi, has reportedly passed away aged 39 on Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- The pacy striker represented the Benin Republic at international level despite being born and raised in Nigeria, and also played for several European clubs
- The news about his death sparked emotional condolence messages from football fans on social media
The African football community has been thrown into mourning after reports confirmed the death of popular football star Razak Omotoyossi at the age of 39 on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The former Benin Republic international is said to have faced turbulent issues in his last days on earth, as he lost his elder sister three weeks before his death.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigerian-born striker failed to make the Super Eagles team and decided to switch allegiance at the international level, representing the Benin Republic.
He had a remarkable time with the Benin Republic national team between 2004 and 2016, featuring in 55 matches for the Cheetahs and finding the back of the net 21 times.
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The Lagos-born football star is rated as one of Africa's greats due to his contributions during his active years as a footballer. He had club stints in Nigeria, Benin, Saudi Arabia, France, Sweden, and Egypt.
He was married to popular Nigerian actress Bose Alao Omotoyossi for 18 years, and their marriage produced four daughters.
Tributes pour in as Omotoyossi passes away at 39
The former Al-Nassr striker reportedly passed away in Nigeria after struggling with depression and illness.
Renowned Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare shared on his official X handle that he reached out to the football legend's brother, who lamented about the sad event.
Source: Getty Images
The deceased sibling highlighted some of the issues that contributed to the former Zamalek star's passing.
"Razak Omotoyossi’s brother tells me that the 39-year-old Benin Republic football legend had been battling depression and illness, which contributed to his passing," he said.
"For context, he tragically lost his house to a fire in July, and just two weeks earlier, his sister also passed away."
The news of Omotoyossi's death comes after the passing of former Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro and a footballer who collapsed on the pitch in KZN.
Netizens and football fans paid their last respects to Omotoyossi by sharing their condolence messages on social media.
Bayo said:
"Oh my!!! Africa loses another gallant one."
Bayonle Arashi wrote:
"What a bad news. May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest."
Femi Ogundipe shared:
"Wow, so sad….may his soul rest in peace 🙏🏼"
Ogbuevi responded:
"I remember watching him play. Had lightening speed and wicked shot power. Rest in Peace King"
Ogbontarigi reacted:
"I remember how frustrating he was against Nigeria during AFCON 2008. Peaceful rest to him 🕊"
Urchman_Henz commented:
"My God! My condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏"
Enoch Δ added:
"Bruh what a year!! And what a player remember him when Benin became prominent in afcon and some of the qualifiers v Ghana."
SA cyclist passes away after being attacked in Cape Town
Briefly News also reported that a veteran SA cyclist died after being attacked by someone trying to steal from him in Cape Town.
The cyclist died at the hospital after failing to recover from the injuries he suffered during the attack.
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Source: Briefly News
