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Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci was a popular Italian footballer who played as a striker. He spent his club career with Messina (1982-1989), Juventus (1989-1992), Internazionale (1992-1994), and Júbilo Iwata (1994-1997). Sadly, Totò passed away on September 18, leaving fans and former colleagues devastated. Before his retirement in 1999, Salvatore’s influence on the sport was global, and his outstanding performance in the 1990 World Cup cemented his status as an Italian football legend.
Salvatore passed away at the age of 59. People are eager to learn more about his life and career. After such a successful career, many would expect Salvatore to have lived lavishly, with a substantial net worth. In this article, we will tell you everything about Totò Schillaci.
What Was Toto Schillaci Net Worth At The Time Of His Death?
According to Distractify, Before retiring in 1999, Salvatore had a somewhat successful and renowned football career. The former forward, known as a World Cup hero for his amazing performance for Italy in 1990, in which he scored six goals for the hosts and won the European Golden Boot, also played for other major clubs, including Juventus and Inter Milan. However, despite the fact that he thrust himself into the spotlight at the height of his career, he was a fairly private man, including his income. Salvatore’s net worth and total career earnings prior to his death remain unknown.
The Early Life Of Toto Schillaci
Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci was born on December 1, 1964, in Palermo, Italy, to a low-income family. His father worked as a garbage collector in a mafia-dominated slum, which influenced his childhood experiences. Schillaci did not acquire a formal education and began his football career with an amateur squad called Amat Palermo, which was affiliated with the local bus company.
Toto Schillaci’s Career: From Local Hero to World Cup Sensation
Toto Schillaci’s football career began in earnest when he joined the Serie B club Messina in 1982. Over seven seasons, Schillaci honed his skills, scoring 61 goals in 219 appearances, which caught the attention of Serie A clubs. In 1989, Schillaci signed with Juventus, marking a turning point in his career. In his debut season, he made an immediate impact, scoring 15 goals and helping Juventus secure both the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup in 1990.
However, Schillaci’s most iconic moment came during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Italy. Selected for the national team, Schillaci started the tournament as a substitute but soon became the team’s standout player. His six goals led Italy to a third-place finish and earned him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer, along with a second-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting that year.
After his time with Juventus, Schillaci transferred to Inter Milan in 1992. Injuries, however, began to limit his playing time, and after two seasons with the club, he made the surprising move to Júbilo Iwata in Japan, where he played from 1994 to 1997. His time in Japan marked the final chapter of his professional career, where he embraced the role of a veteran leader while promoting the sport in a burgeoning football market.
Schillaci officially retired in 1997, having left a lasting mark on Italian football with his remarkable rise from a relatively unknown player to a national hero during one unforgettable summer.
Toto Schillaci: Personal Life
Totò Schillaci married twice. His first marriage was to Rita Bonaccorso, and they had two children. Following their divorce, he married Barbara Lombardo in 2012, and the couple lived together until his death on September 18, 2024. At the time of his death, Schillaci was survived by his second wife and three children: Jessica, Mattia, and Nicole.
Toto Schillaci Died
Totò Schillaci passed away at the age of 59. On September 18, 2024, the world learned of his death, following his hospitalization for pneumonia and complications from colon cancer he had been battling since 2022.
Fans, former coworkers, and others have expressed their affection for Salvatore following his death, which many believe was due to his ongoing battle with colon cancer.
Even Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, had lovely words to say about the late football great: “A football icon is leaving us. A man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world. … Thank you for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, cheer, hug, and wave our national flag.”
Ci lascia un'icona del calcio, un uomo entrato nel cuore degli italiani e degli amanti dello sport nel mondo. Salvatore Schillaci, per tutti Totò, il bomber delle notti magiche di Italia '90 con la nostra Nazionale. Grazie per le emozioni che ci hai regalato, per averci fatto… pic.twitter.com/3CWIACgAth
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 18, 2024
Palermo Football Club, a local institution where Salvatore was born, also expressed sympathy.
“Palermo FC, with President Dario Mirri and the entire City Football Group family, express their deepest condolences for the untimely passing of Salvatore Schillaci,” they shared in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Il Palermo FC, con il presidente Dario Mirri e tutta la famiglia City Football Group, esprime il proprio grande cordoglio per la prematura scomparsa di Salvatore Schillaci e si stringe al dolore della famiglia di Francesco Di Mariano. pic.twitter.com/ibH5QKuXYN
— Palermo F.C. (@Palermofficial) September 18, 2024
FAQ’S
Who was Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci?
Salvatore Schillaci, commonly known as Totò Schillaci, was an Italian footballer who played as a striker. He gained international fame during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he was the tournament’s top scorer. He had a successful club career with teams like Messina, Juventus, Internazionale, and Júbilo Iwata.
What was Totò Schillaci’s most significant achievement in football?
Schillaci’s most significant achievement came during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he scored six goals, won the Golden Boot, and helped Italy secure third place.
When did Totò Schillaci retire from football?
Schillaci retired from professional football in 1999 after a successful career that spanned over two decades.
What was Totò Schillaci’s net worth at the time of his death?
While Salvatore Schillaci had a successful football career, his net worth and total career earnings at the time of his death remain unknown.
When did Totò Schillaci pass away?
Totò Schillaci passed away on September 18, 2024, at the age of 59, after battling colon cancer since 2022.
What caused Totò Schillaci’s death?
Schillaci passed away due to complications related to pneumonia and colon cancer, a condition he had been fighting since 2022.
Was Totò Schillaci married?
Yes, Totò Schillaci was married twice. His first marriage was to Rita Bonaccorso, with whom he had two children. Later, he married Barbara Lombardo in 2012, and they remained together until his death.
Did Totò Schillaci have children?
Yes, Totò Schillaci had three children: Jessica, Mattia, and Nicole.
What did Italian leaders say about Totò Schillaci after his death?
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, praised Schillaci, stating that he was a football icon who captured the hearts of Italians and sports fans worldwide. Palermo Football Club also expressed their condolences following his passing.
