Just Fontaine, the iconic French footballer who set a record by scoring 13 goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament in 1958, has passed away at the age of 89. His death on Wednesday sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the footballing world.
Fontaine’s record-breaking feat in Sweden remains unmatched, securing his place in football history as one of the game’s greatest strikers. He played 21 times for the French national team between 1953 and 1960, scoring an impressive 30 goals.
A key figure in France’s journey to the semi-finals of the 1958 World Cup, Fontaine’s extraordinary goal tally came in just six matches — a benchmark that still stands more than six decades later.
At the club level, Fontaine had a prolific career, scoring 259 goals in 283 appearances. He was a star for Stade de Reims and helped them reach the 1959 European Cup final.
Fontaine’s legacy as a relentless forward and a record-setter continues to inspire generations of players. His name remains etched in football folklore as one of the most remarkable talents of the 20th century.
