Razak Omotoyossi: Benin’s Second All-Time Top Scorer Dies at 39

The African football community is mourning the loss of Razak Omotoyossi, the Nigerian-born striker who represented the Benin Republic on the international stage. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by his former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF, in an emotional announcement.
Born on October 8, 1985, in Lagos, Nigeria, Omotoyossi began his career locally before switching allegiance to Benin, where he went on to become one of the country’s most celebrated footballers. Over the years, he donned the Benin national colors 55 times, scoring 21 goals—a record that cements him as the nation’s second all-time top scorer.
Omotoyossi’s football journey spanned several countries and clubs. He had stints in France with FC Metz, Sweden with Helsingborgs IF, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, and Egypt’s Zamalek, among others—making him one of the most widely traveled West African forwards of his generation.
One of the most memorable highlights of his career came during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he famously scored all four goals in Benin’s 4–1 victory over Togo, finishing as joint top scorer of the qualifying campaign.
While the cause of his death has not yet been disclosed, tributes have continued to pour in from former clubs, teammates, and fans across the globe. Many describe him as a fearless striker, a national hero for Benin, and an inspirational figure for young African footballers.
At the time of his passing, Omotoyossi was 39 years old.
Tributes and Legacy
Razak Omotoyossi’s name will forever be remembered in African football circles—not just for his goals, but for the passion, determination, and international recognition he brought to Benin football.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy inspire the next generation of African footballers.