Nigerian-Born Beninese Football Star Razak Omotoyossi Dies at 39

Razak Omotoyossi, the Nigerian-born footballer who represented Benin at the international level, has died at the age of 39. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by his former Swedish club Helsingborgs IF and other authorities in Benin.

Omotoyossi was celebrated as one of Benin’s most accomplished footballers. After beginning his career in the Nigerian league, he switched nationality to represent Benin. He earned 55 caps for the Benin national team, scoring 21 goals, ranking him among the nation’s all-time top scorers. He is remembered for scoring all four goals in Benin’s notable 4-1 victory over Togo during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and was joint top scorer of that campaign alongside Samuel Eto’o. He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at an Africa Cup of Nations finals.

At club level, Omotoyossi had a diverse and extensive career spanning several countries including Nigeria, Sweden, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Libya, Syria, Moldova, and Morocco. He notably excelled at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he was a key striker and featured in the UEFA Champions League before joining FC Metz in France. Omotoyossi’s talent was recognized internationally, once featuring in Italy’s Guerin Sportivo as one of the world’s top 50 future stars.

ADVERTISEMENT

His former club Helsingborgs IF took to social media to express their mourning and extend condolences to his family and loved ones.

Details on the cause of death have not been disclosed at this time. Omotoyossi’s passing has sent shockwaves through the African football community, where he was much admired for his skill and dedication to the sport both nationally and internationally.