- Hayatou died in Paris on Thursday
- He served CAF for nearly three decades
- Tributes have poured in from around the world
African football icon Issa Hayatou died in Paris on Thursday, just shy of his 78th birthday.
The Cameroonian, a towering figure in the sport, served as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for nearly three decades.
His leadership was instrumental in elevating African football to a global stage.
Under Hayatou’s tenure, the Africa Cup of Nations expanded, more African teams qualified for the FIFA World Cup, and football infrastructure across the continent saw significant growth.
He also served as interim president of FIFA during a turbulent period, demonstrating his leadership and stability.
Tributes have poured in from around the world, recognizing Hayatou’s immense contribution to African football.
His legacy as a visionary leader will continue to inspire generations to come.
