Emmanuel Kunde dead at 68: Pioneering World Cup icon who scored against England at Italia '90 passes away
A former Chelsea star has paid an emotional tribute
REST IN PEACE Emmanuel Kunde dead at 68: Pioneering World Cup icon who scored against England at Italia '90 passes away
EMMANUEL KUNDE has tragically died at the age of 68.
The former footballer is best remembered for scoring against England in the 1990 World Cup.
4
Emmanuel Kunde has sadly died
Credit: Rex
4
He scored against England in the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals
Credit: PA
4
Kunde jostled with Paul Gascoigne for the ball
Credit: PA
4
Samuel Eto'o has paid tribute to the Cameroonian
Credit: AP
His death was confirmed by the Cameroonian football federation.
A statement read: "His death constitutes a huge loss for Cameroonian football."
His most famous career moment came when he netted the winning penalty in the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria.
He also won the continental cup four years earlier and came on as a late substitute in the 3-1 win over Nigeria again in the final.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
THERE'S THE WREX-IT Wrexham confirm 8 players leaving after promotion to Championship
He also scored a penalty against England in the 3-2 defeat in the quarter-finals of Italia '90.
Former Chelsea and Everton striker has shared an emotional tribute to Kunde on Instagram.
He wrote: "I'm just learning of the demise of the Elder Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football, who died at the age of 68.
"Oh the sadness! It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.
"I keep with him the memory of a discreet and affectionate man, a figure of moderation and consideration.
"He was a fantastic footballer, the control tower in the midfield, the defensive wall the opponent crashed into but also a great playmaker when the team had possession.
"Individually, it was a fine passer and an artifact with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.
"In fifteen years as a national team (127 selections), he took part in the two legendary epics of the Indomitable Lions in the World Cup (1982 and 1990), twice winner of the CAN (1984 and 1988).
"His long career brought him to France (Laval, Reims) and Gabon (US Bitam) as a coach, even though it is in the Canon sportif de Yaoundé that his name and legend will remain associated forever, as a player and as a coach.
"Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his nuclear family."
Kunde started his playing career at the Mbankomo Club in Cameroon.
He then played for the likes of Tempête de Nanga-Eboko and Canon Yaounde before joining French sides Laval and Reims.
He retired in 1992, back in Cameroon after two years with Olympic Mvolye.
In total, he played 102 times for Cameroon's national team between 1979 and 1992 and scored 17 goals.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Joao Felix becomes second Chelsea star stripped of squad number in clear message
Portugal international Joao Felix has struggled to find a club to call home in the past few years, and he would appear to be on the move again after his squad number was taken away Joao Felix's second spell at Chelsea seems destined for an inauspicious ending after the Portugal international saw his squad number given to new arrival Dario Essugo. Felix, still just 25, joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid last summer in a deal worth an initial £42million, but after 20 appearances in all competitions he was on the move again, joining AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season in February. Now back at Chelsea, where he first arrived on loan from Atletico for the second half of the 2022-23 season, there would appear to be little prospect of Felix forcing his way into Enzo Maresca's first-team plans for next season after he saw his No.14 shirt handed to his Portuguese compatriot Essugo. The move is the latest twist in Felix's career, with the attacker seemingly destined for his fifth change of clubs in the last two-and-a-half years. Felix has become the second Chelsea player to see their shirt number taken from them this summer after winger Mykhailo Mudryk's No.10 was handed to talisman Cole Palmer, who vacates the No.20. Mudryk remains provisionally suspended from football for alleged doping, and hasn't kicked a ball for Chelsea since November. Essugo has arrived at Chelsea in an £18.5million deal and will go into the squad for this summer's Club World Cup. The Portugal under-21 international played 25 times for Sporting's youth team, and had loan spells as Portuguese side Chaves and La Liga outfit Las Palmas in the past two seasons. 'It's a big step to make in my early career,' said Essugo as he was unveiled by the Blues. 'Every player dreams of getting to a big club, and Chelsea is no exception. It's a massive club and I'm feeling proud and very happy to be here. 'Chelsea showed big interest in me. When that happens, you can't turn it down. When my Dad told me Chelsea were interested, I was very happy and here we are now.' Mamadou Sarr, another of Chelsea's new arrivals, has taken the No.19 shirt that was worn by Jadon Sancho during the past season, with the Englishman's loan spell from Manchester United having now ended. "I feel really good, it's like a dream for me," Sarr said after his move. "Since I was young, I dreamed of playing for a club like this. Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am very happy. "For me, Chelsea is the best club in London, one of the best clubs in England. Chelsea have a good project in place for young players. The supporters, the club, it's history and the stadium are all fantastic. It's an iconic club with a full history."
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Why Chelsea star is NOT in the Blues' Club World Cup squad after five players worth £225m were left out of travelling party by Enzo Maresca
Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic asked to be left out of their squad for the Club World Cup squad so that he can seek a move away. The goalkeeper's absence is a particular surprise given Chelsea's goalkeeping situation and his impressive performances on loan at Strasbourg. The 25-year old Serbia international, though, is keen for greater starting opportunities and has attracted interest from Monaco. Andrey Santos, who was also on loan at Strasbourg, as well as new signings, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr, have been included. Petrovic, though, will be absent, with Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Wesley Fofana, and Axel Disasi - worth £225million between them - also not making the cut. It means that, for now, Robert Sanchez will likely be Chelsea's starting goalkeeper, with Filip Jorgensen in reserve. The Blues had hoped to sign AC Milan stopper Mike Maignan before the launch of the competition, but that move fell through. They had stepped up their interest in the Frenchman in recent days and hoped to complete a deal before the transfer window closed ahead of the Club World Cup. But Enzo Maresca's side were unwilling to pay Milan's asking fee, which they believe was inflated due to their will to sign him in time for the competition. It is understood that Milan wanted around £20m for Maignan, who has one year remaining on his contract at San Siro. The Blues are due to face Los Angeles FC in their first group game in Atlanta this Monday and the travelling squad has been decided. As per the rules of the Club World Cup, Chelsea will be able to add new players to their squad between June 27 to July 3 for the knockout stages of the tournament. Petrovic played 31 times for Strasbourg last season, conceding 38 goals in all competitions.
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Fifa warned about free speech restrictions at 2026 World Cup
The warnings follow recent US government policies under President Donald Trump, which include a travel ban affecting 12 countries, such as World Cup qualifier Iran, and heightened criticism over responses to civil unrest. The United States will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with California's Rose Bowl also set to host matches during the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which starts on Saturday. Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, said: "Fans travel to the World Cup to celebrate and express their passion and any attempt to curtail our fundamental rights, including the right to free speech, is a betrayal of the spirit of football. "We're particularly concerned about the potential for selective enforcement and discrimination against fans based on our perceived political views or national origin. "FIFA must obtain the necessary guarantees to ensure fans from all over the world are able to safely travel and attend the games." Human rights organisations have voiced concerns about increasing restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian protests. Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, said: "FIFA should publicly acknowledge the threat US immigration and other anti-human rights policies pose to the tournament's integrity and use its leverage with the US government to ensure that the rights of all qualified teams, support staff, media and fans are respected as they seek to enter the United States, regardless of nationality, gender identity, religion or opinion." The US government has stated that the travel ban will not apply to players or team staff from qualified nations. However, it will prevent fans from Iran and other affected countries from attending matches in person. FIFA and the US State Department have been contacted for comment.
