Just Fontaine, one of the most iconic football players in history, passed away at the age of 89 on March 1st, 2023. Known for his remarkable ability as a striker, Fontaine made history during the 1958 World Cup, scoring an unprecedented 13 goals. His incredible performance cemented his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Louis Fontaine died: What was his cause of death?
Louis Fontaine, a celebrated French football player, passed away on Wednesday in Toulouse, France. Though Fontaine was known for his impressive career as a prolific striker, it was his stunning performance at the 1958 FIFA World Cup that made him an international legend. In just six games, Fontaine scored a staggering thirteen goals, cementing his place in football history. In 2004, at a FIFA Awards Ceremony, Pelé named Fontaine one of the 125 greatest living footballers. The cause of his death is not yet known, and fans around the world mourn the loss of a legendary player.
Just Louis Fontaine the all time top scorer in a single World Cup with 13 goals in 1958 mundial, has died at the age of 89, his family disclosed on Wednesday.
— Per Second News (@persecondnewsng) March 1, 2023
Pele named French footballer as one of the 125 greatest Living Footballers at a FIFA Award Ceremony.#Persecondnews pic.twitter.com/lBBjOj7QNl
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Career of Louis Fontaine
Born to a French father and a Spanish mother in Marrakech, Fontaine attended the prestigious Lycée Lyautey before embarking on his illustrious career as a footballer. Just before his 29th birthday, Justin Fontaine’s playing career came to a premature end due to injuries. Despite this setback, he went on to make significant contributions to the world of soccer. In 1967, he briefly served as the manager of the French national team, but his tenure was short-lived. Later, he took up the role of head coach for Morocco’s national team, where he achieved notable success. Fontaine guided the Atlas Lions to a third-place finish in the 1980 African Cup of Nations with the help of players like Badou Zaki, Mohammed Timoumi, and Aziz Bouderbala.
In 1982, he led Morocco to the World Cup, but the team lost to Cameroon in the last round. Apart from coaching, Fontaine also played a key role as the sports director of Paris Saint-Germain F.C., helping the club reach the top flight of French soccer. In recognition of his talent and accomplishments, Pelé ranked Fontaine as one of the 125 greatest active football players in 2004. Fontaine began his soccer journey at USM Casablanca, where he played amateur ball for four years before signing with the French club Nice in 1953. During his three years with French club Nice, he scored a remarkable 44 goals.
After moving to Stade de Reims in 1956, Just Fontaine joined forces with Raymond Kopa during the 1959-60 season, and their partnership proved to be highly successful. Fontaine stayed with the team for six seasons and scored an impressive 121 goals. Over the course of 200 games played for the Ligue 1 team, he scored 165 goals and won the league title twice, in 1958 and 1960. Additionally, Fontaine played a key role in leading the team to the 1958-59 European Cup championship game against Real Madrid, where he scored 10 goals.
His outstanding performance on the field led to his being named the best French player of the last half-century by the French Football Federation during the 2003 UEFA Jubilee Awards in November. In collaboration with Eugène N’Jo Léa, Fontaine established the National Union of Professional Football Players in 1961, contributing to its early success. Despite his retirement from playing, Fontaine remained an active and critical observer of the sport, and he was particularly outspoken about the lackluster performance of the French team’s forwards during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
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Obituary and Funeral Arrangements
The family has not yet released any information regarding his obituary or funeral arrangements. Fans and members of the football community around the world are eagerly awaiting further updates on how they can pay their respects to the legendary footballer. Given Fontaine’s lasting impact on the sport, it is expected that his funeral will be a significant event that brings together many individuals to honor his memory.
Tributes to Louis Fontaine
R.I.P.
— Andy Kwok (@kwokchiwai2002) March 1, 2023
A French professional footballer ~ Just Louis Fontaine
18 August 1933 – 1 March 2023#JFontaine #Fontaine pic.twitter.com/ywZFKi2Wb9
