Just Fontaine, who holds the record for the most goals scored at a single World Cup, has passed away at the age of 89. Fontaine scored an impressive 13 goals in just six matches for France at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, earning them a third-place finish.
Despite only participating in the 1958 tournament, Fontaine is joint-fourth on the all-time World Cup goalscorers list, tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
His former clubs, Stade de Reims and Paris St-Germain paid tribute to the legendary striker, with the French Football Federation describing him as “the eternal goalscorer” and “a legend of world football.” Fontaine scored 30 times in 21 appearances for France between 1953 and 1960 and he also spent most of his club career at French side Stade de Reims.
In addition to his impressive career as a player, Fontaine also managed the French and Moroccan national teams and helped to form the French player’s union. In 2004, he was included in Pele’s list of the 125 greatest living footballers. A minute’s applause will be held at all French football grounds in tribute to Fontaine.