[JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Salvatore Schillaci, a Jubilo Iwata and World Cup Great, Dies at 59

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Salvatore Schillaci, a prolific scorer in the J.League's early years and the Golden Boot Award recipient at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, died on Wednesday, September 18. He was 59.

In 2022, Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer.

A native of Palermo, Sicily, the Italian soccer star, known by his popular nickname "Toto," began his professional career at Messina in 1982 and later played for Serie A heavyweights Juventus and Inter Milan before joining Jubilo Iwata in 1994. Schillaci played his final game for the J.League club in 1997.

He had 56 goals in 78 J.League matches. This included 31 in 34 matches in 1995.

Tributes to Salvatore Schillaci

Numerous tributes to Schillaci were posted on the internet and by media outlets spanning the globe.

FIFA, soccer's global governing body, described Schillaci on its website as Italy's "unlikely" hero at the 1990 World Cup, which was held in his homeland.

In the FIFA.com tribute to Schillaci, his success and persona at the 1990 World Cup were eloquently described. A key passage: "The image of the Sicilian, with his wild, fiery eyes and face full of determination and emotion as he turned away to celebrate yet another goal, is remembered as one of the tournament's most enduring images."

The article also noted, "Schillaci had an innate goalscoring instinct and a strong desire to reach the top. Although he was not the tallest or most physically imposing player, he more than made up for this with his speed, sense of positioning, opportunism and sheer determination."

Schillaci finished the 1990 World Cup as the top overall scorer with six goals, helping Italy earn a third-place finish. He also claimed the Golden Ball Award as the tournament's top player.

Remembering Salvatore Schillaci 

Former Jubilo teammate Masashi Nakayama said he was saddened by the news of Schillaci's death.

"I only have a sense of frustration after my partner's departure came too early," said Nakayama, now the manager of J.League third-division club Azul Claro Numazu, according to Kyodo News.

Schillaci made a lasting impression on Nakayama.

"His way as a striker, in how to set one's mind and go after the goal, is etched firmly within me still," Nakayama said.

At Juventus, Schillaci appeared in the Serie A for the first time in 1989 following a 23-goal effort in the previous season for Messina in the Italian second division. 

With greater exposure in Serie A playing in front of bigger crowds in larger stadiums, Schillaci became a fan favorite.

"We immediately fell in love with Toto," Juventus said in a statement. "His desire, his story, his being so wonderfully passionate, and it showed in every game he played."

Heartfelt tributes to Schillaci, who retired in Palermo after his playing days and established a youth soccer academy in his hometown, captured the essence of his beloved place in the sport.

The 173-centimeter's athleticism and endearing personality made him a fan favorite in his homeland and a sizable following in J.League venues across Japan.

Salvatore Schillaci Explains His Mindset as a Player

In a 2014 interview, Schillaci explained how he approached the game, responding to a question from Chris Hunt of fourfourtwo.com. The inquiry centered on what it meant to him to be named a starter for the first time in the World Cup ― Italy's third match of the 1990 tournament.

"I characteristically never take anything for granted. For me, each game is a lottery," Schillaci said in the interview. "When the match is over I treasure the moments of the day, and then I forget about it and move on. That is my strength and that allows me to go forward."

As J.League fans experienced in the 1990s, Schillaci was a captivating performer on the pitch.

And decades after his final game in his homeland, Serie A President Lorenzo Casini eloquently summed up Salvatore Schillaci's special place in the annals of soccer in Italy and beyond.

"He was a champion who lit up the 'magic nights' of Italia 90," Casini said in a statement. "His desire to reach the top levels in soccer has been and will remain a source of inspiration for so many youngsters pursuing their dream of playing in Serie A."

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.