Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Italian soccer icon Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci, who won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 1990 World Cup, has died, his family and former teams announced Wednesday. Schillaci, 59, was being treated for colon cancer.
"Dad, you were playing the last match of your life," Schillaci's daughter, Jessica, wrote on Facebook. "You already knew you would lose it, but you played it very well."
Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and admitted earlier this month into a Palermo, Italy, hospital.
"Thanks for the emotions you gave us, for having made us dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag. Bon voyage, champion," Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni wrote on X.
The former Messina, Juventus, Inter Milan and Jubilo Iwata striker started playing at the senior level in 1982. He made 16 international appearances for Italy, including their bronze medal run at the 1990 World Cup.
Schillaci scored a tournament-leading six goals to earn Golden Boot honors at the tournament. He also received the Golden Ball, given to the best player of the tournament.
"He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia '90," Inter Milan said Wednesday.
Schillaci retired in 1999.
"The uncontrollable celebrations, in which his face became synonymous with shared joy, will always be part of our shared Italian football heritage," Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina said in a statement.
"Toto was a great footballer, a symbol of desire and determination. He knew how to move the Azzurri [Italian soccer team] fans because his football dripped with passion. And it is this indomitable spirit that brought him to be immortal, appreciated by all."
A message posted to Schillaci's Instagram story stated that a memorial for the soccer legend will be set up Wednesday and Thursday at Renzo Barbera Stadium in Palermo.
"Palermo FC, with president Dario Mirri and the entire City Football Group family, express their deepest condolences for the premature passing of Salvatore Schillaci and join in the grief of Francesco Di Mariano's family," Palermo said in a statement.
