The entire footballing community around the world was recovering from the death of Brazilian legend Pele (2 months ago) and that’s when the news of French legend Just Fontaine’s passing came to the fore. Both of the legends or record breakers died at the age of 89.
Those who are connected to football from the 50’s will realize the impact. The Frenchman during his playing days had set a FIFA World Cup record which is alive till date. Fontaine during the 1954 FIFA World cup at Sweden scored the most number of goals – 13 in a single WC edition.
From being a last minute selection in french team, Fontaine became the only player to score the most number of goals in FIFA World Cup history. Before the World cup, he was not a very well known player but he took the world by a storm with his World cup outing.
When Fontaine was asked if anybody will be able to break his World cup record, this is what he had to say – “Beating my record? I don’t think it can ever be done. The person who wants to beat me has a massive task, doesn’t he? He has to score two goals per game over seven games.”
He was known for his sheer pace and finishing ability and according to the stats provided by Sky Sports, Just Fontaine scored 200 goals in 213 games in his career and scored 30 times for his national side. He had a promising career ahead of him but unfortunately in March 1960, Fontaine’s footballing career came to an end.
He sustained a double leg injury aged 28 and his career was done forever. However, till the time he played football, Just Fontaine made a type of impact which was never seen before. And earlier today, his former club Reims announced his death at France. Rest In Peace to a footballing legend.
