Senegal defensive midfielder Papa Diop has passed away, aged 42

Former Premier League star Papa Bouba Diop has passed away at the age of 42.

Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba Diop in action for the Lions of Teranga in their 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan clash in Seoul. Senegal defeated France 1-0. Diop scored the only goal of the game that helped Senegal win their opening game. Photo: KIM JAE HWAN/AFP via Getty Images

According to a number of reports, Bouba Diop had been suffering with a long-time illness, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

His former club, RC Lens, paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "It is with great sadness that Racing Club de Lens has just learned of the disappearance of its former player Papa Bouba Diop , at the age of 42.

Senegalese midfielder Papa Bouba Diop in action for French club RC Lens. Photo: @RCLens

"We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones."

So too did world governing body FIFA, who declared: “FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.

"Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero."

FIFA pays tribute to "World Cup hero" Papa Bouba Diop ⬇

FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.

Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero. pic.twitter.com/akUJoPxCal

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2020

Diop became a national hero when he scored the goal which saw Senegal beat France 1-0 in their opening World Cup game in 2002.

The midfielder first arrived in English football when he joined Fulham from Lens in 2004, becoming known as "The Wardrobe" at Craven Cottage.

Papa Bouba Diop (on the ground) scores for Senegal against France in their 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan clash in Seoul. France players - goalkeeper Fabien Barthez (l), midfielders Emmanuel Petit (m) and Youri Djorkaeff (r). Photo: JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP via Getty Images

He joined Portsmouth in 2007 and after a stint with AEK Athens returned to English football by joining West Ham in 2011 and helping them win promotion back to the Premier League.

After one season with the Hammers he joined Birmingham City before being released in January 2013.

Diop won 63 caps for Senegal, scoring 11 goals including his historic World Cup strike.

Midfielder Papa Bouba Diop (r) in action for Senegal against Japan. Photo: TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

The mayor of Mermoz Sacré-Cœur, Barthélémy Dias, paid tribute to Bouba Diop on Sunday, writing on social media: "Thank you GAINDÉ for making us dream so much.

"Your name will forever be engraved in the Football Hall of Fame alongside great legends.May God welcome you in his Paradise."

Senegal forward El Hadji Diouf (C) celebrates with midfielder Papa Bouba Diop (L) after Diop's first goal during his opening game with France for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan in Seoul, Diop scored the only goal of the match as Senegal beat France. Photo: PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP via Getty Images

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker paid tribute stating on social media: “How terribly sad. Taken so young. RIP Papa Bouba Diop.” Mirror