World Cup champion Just Fontaine dies

21-time French international Fontaine was one of the heroes of the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where Les Bleus reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history, but lost to Brazil.

The rather stocky striker from Marrakech was not originally intended for the tournament. Since Tadi Chisovsky, who was ahead of him in the hierarchy, was injured at the last moment, he was called up later.

In addition to his 13 goals and his first international medal for France, Fontaine has also won four French league titles (one with Nice, three with Reims), two French Cups (Nice 1954 and Reims 1958) and a European Cup final at club level. Reims, who lost 2-0 to the great Real Madrid in 1959 against Di Stefano, Puskas and Kopa, has an impressive track record.

However, Fontaine’s playing career came to an abrupt end in 1962 at the age of 28 after suffering a double leg fracture.

After he became a player, Fontaine tried himself as a coach. However, his track record was rather mixed. In 1967, he only lasted two games as France manager before being kicked out after two friendly losses.

His time at Paris Saint-Germain (1973–1976) was more successful. In 1974, he managed to get into the first division. His last coaching post was in his native Morocco, when he helped the national team to third place in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.

(si/ed.)