Just Fontaine passes away at 89: A look at the World Cup legend’s career

Legendary France and Reims striker Just Fontaine has passed away at the age of 89. During his playing days, he was a brilliant striker and holds the record for the most goals scored in a single edition of the World Cup – which stands to this day. 

The French forward scored an unbelievable 13 goals in six games at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. That year, France finished third in the tournament. His national team career, similarly, was filled with goals. Fontaine scored a stunning 30 goals in 21 games with Les Bleus. 

A look back at Just Fontaine’s iconic football career 

Alongside Stade de Reims, Fontaine played for USM Casablanca and Nice in his career. But, most of his success was with Reims. He played for them between 1956-1962, and won three league titles with them. 

He also won the French Cup, and finished as the runner-up in the 1959 European Championship Finals against Real Madrid, who won 2-0. While they didn’t win the trophy, he did finish as the top scorer in that edition with ten goals to his name. 

In 284 matches, Just Fontaine scored an eye-catching 258 goals, averaging to almost a goal every single game. 

Long after retiring, he founded the French Footballers’ Union in 2014, and also coached PSG. He helped the club earn promotion to the first division in 1974. The footballing world mourns the loss of yet another legend in such a short span of time.