Just Fontaine, French football legend, dies aged 89 – 3/1/2023 – Sports

Frenchman Just Fontaine, record holder of goals in just one World Cup, with 13 in Sweden in 1958, has died at the age of 89.

In the Cup in which Fontaine set the record, France reached the semifinals for the first time in its history, when it was defeated by Brazil, led by Pelé, by 5 to 2.

In the title decision, Brazil thrashed Sweden by 5 to 2 and won its first world title. In the match for third place, France defeated Germany 6-3.

With Fontaine dead, only three players from the 1958 France squad are still alive: Dominique Colonna, Robert Mouynet and Bernard Chiarelli.

Born in Marrakesh, Fontaine was not considered to play in the World Cup in Sweden because Thadée Cisowski would be in charge of the attack, who suffered an injury at the last moment.

In addition to the record 13 goals and the historic semi-final for the country, Just Fontaine had a great career in clubs, with four French championship titles (one with Nice and three with Reims), two French Cups (Nice in 1954 and Reims in 1958) and a European Cup Final (the current Champions League), in 1959, in which Reims was beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid of Di Stéfano, Puskas and Kopa.

Fontaine’s career was brutally cut short at the end of 1962, aged just 28, after two broken legs.

Retired from the pitch, Just Fontaine began his career as a coach, but with much more discreet results.

Ahead of the France national team, he lasted just two matches in 1967: he was sacked as coach after two defeats in friendly matches.

His experience as coach of Paris Saint-Germain (1973-1976) was better, with access to the first division in 1974. He ended his career as a coach in his native Morocco, when he led the national team in winning third place in the 1980 African Cup.