Nigerian-born Beninese international striker, Razak Omotoyossi, has died at the age of 39. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, by Helsingborgs IF, his former Swedish club.
Omotoyossi, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, began his football journey locally before switching nationality to represent Benin, where he became one of the country’s most celebrated forwards. Over the course of his career, he featured for Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. He was widely recognized for his speed and eye for goal, forming a formidable partnership with Swedish legend Henrik Larsson during his time in Helsingborg.
On the international stage, Omotoyossi earned more than 50 caps for the Benin national team, scoring crucial goals that boosted the Squirrels’ continental profile in African football. Tributes have since poured in from former teammates, fans, and football authorities across Nigeria, Benin, and Europe, remembering him as a talented striker who left a mark both on and off the pitch.