Beninese footballer, Razak Omotoyossi, dies at 39

Former Benin Republic striker, Razak Omotoyossi, has been confirmed dead at the age of 39.

Omotoyossi’s demise was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by his former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF, where he once played a key role in the team’s attack.

Omotoyossi, born in Lagos, Nigeria, before switching allegiance to Benin Republic, made his mark as one of West Africa’s most prominent football exports.

In a tribute shared on X, the club wrote: “Helsingborgs IF is in mourning. We have been informed that our former player Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Omotoyossi, who began his career in the Nigerian league before switching nationality to represent Benin, went on to become one of the most celebrated footballers in the country’s history.

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He scored 21 goals in 55 international matches, cementing his place among Benin’s all-time top scorers.

He is especially remembered for his remarkable display during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he scored all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo, finishing the campaign as joint top scorer alongside Samuel Eto’o.

He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at the AFCON finals.

At club level, Omotoyossi’s career took him across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with spells in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.

He enjoyed a particularly successful period at Helsingborgs IF, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before moving on to French side FC Metz.

The Star