Benin football legend Razak Omotoyossi has died at the age of 38 in his home country, sparking widespread tributes across the African football community.

Born in Nigeria but choosing to represent Benin, Omotoyossi cemented his status as one of the nation’s greatest-ever players, scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances for the Squirrels. He remains among their all-time top scorers.

His most memorable performance came during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, when he scored all four goals in Benin’s famous 4-1 win over rivals Togo — finishing the campaign as joint-top scorer alongside Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o.

At club level, Omotoyossi made his mark in Europe with Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before securing a move to France with FC Metz. His career also spanned stints in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Moldova, earning admiration for his tireless work ethic and clinical finishing.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Omotoyossi was celebrated for his resilience and loyalty. By choosing to represent Benin, he carried the nation’s footballing hopes with pride, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.