Júbilo Iwata fires striker Toto Schillaci

Football is in mourning following the loss of legend Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, who left an indelible mark on the Italian national team and the history of the 1990 World Cup and passed away today at the age of 59. His passing has not only shocked Italians, but also fans of Júbilo Iwata, the Japanese team where the striker ended his football career. Schillaci was battling colon cancer, and his health had worsened in recent weeks, leading to his hospitalisation shortly before his death.

Toto Schillaci was an iconic figure in world football. Although his career with European clubs was outstanding, his greatest fame came during the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Coming on as a substitute, he quickly became the most important player in the Italian national team, leading his team to the semi-finals of the tournament. In that championship, Schillaci scored six goals, becoming the top scorer and the unexpected hero of a generation that dreamed of lifting the trophy at home.

Inter Milan was one of the first to react to his death. In an official statement, the club expressed its grief at the loss of a player who made an entire nation dream during the “Magical Nights” of Italia 90.

Schillaci was the protagonist of unforgettable moments in that tournament. His first goal came in the match against Austria, after just a few minutes on the pitch, after replacing Andrea Carnevale. The striker headed in a cross from Gianluca Vialli, unleashing euphoria in the stadium and throughout the country. From that moment on, Schillaci continued to score in every key stage of the tournament, including in the dramatic semi-final against Argentina. Despite his effort and his goal, Italy were eliminated on penalties.

Born in Palermo on 1 December 1964, Salvatore Schillaci began his professional career with his hometown club Palermo. There he played in Serie C1 and gradually showed his ability as a striker. His goalscoring talent began to attract national attention when, after a spell with Messina in Serie B, big Italian clubs began to follow in his footsteps. In 1989, Juventus signed him, and with the Bianconeri, Schillaci continued to shine. He won the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup in the 1989-1990 season, while accumulating goals and admirers. His time at Juventus was instrumental in establishing himself as one of Italy’s most important strikers, before making the jump to Inter Milan in 1992.

In 1994, Schillaci surprised the world by accepting Júbilo Iwata’s offer to continue his career in Japan. At the time, the J-League was a growing league looking for international stars to give it prestige, and Schillaci was one of the pioneers in doing so. At Júbilo, the striker showed his class and technique, scoring 58 goals in 91 games, and contributing to the development of Japanese football. Júbilo Iwata fans nicknamed him “Toto” and embraced him as a true club legend, always remembering his goal-scoring instinct and ability to influence both the team and young local footballers.

After his retirement in 1997, Schillaci did not stay away from football. He opened a football school in Palermo, where he continued to share his passion for the sport with the new generations. He also remained active as a commentator and public figure, being recognized for his human warmth and his closeness to the fans.

Following his death, Júbilo Iwata issued a statement mourning the loss of someone they consider a club legend. In their words, Schillaci “was not only a great player, but also a role model for Japanese strikers. Despite the pain of his passing, Schillaci’s legacy will live on in the history of the club and in the hearts of all those who admired him.”

The world of football remembers Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci today. From his native Palermo to Japan, where he was welcomed in his last years as a footballer, his mark remains indelible in the memory of fans who will continue to dream of his eternal goals.