Just Fontaine, the all-time top scorer in a single World Cup finals with 13 goals, has passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by his family to AFP on Wednesday. Fontaine set this remarkable record during the 1958 finals in Sweden, where France reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history, ultimately losing to Pelé’s Brazil. At that World Cup, he formed a formidable attacking trio alongside Roger Piantoni and Raymond Kopa. Interestingly, Fontaine’s participation in the tournament was uncertain; he only made the squad and starting line-up due to injuries sustained by fellow forwards Thadee Cisowski and his Reims teammate René Bliard.
In addition to his World Cup success, Fontaine won four French league titles—one with Nice and three with the illustrious Reims team of the post-war era. He played for Reims in the 1959 European Cup final, where they faced the legendary Real Madrid squad featuring Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, and Raymond Kopa. Unfortunately, Fontaine’s playing career was cut short when he suffered a double leg fracture in 1962, forcing him to retire at the young age of 28.
Following his retirement as a player, Fontaine transitioned into management. He had a brief stint as the head coach of the French national team in 1967, lasting just two matches. However, he found more success with Paris Saint-Germain, leading the club to promotion to the top division in 1974. Additionally, he coached Morocco to a commendable third place at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
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