Modeste M’Bami, a former midfielder for Cameroon and Paris-Saint-Germain, passed away at the age of 40 from a heart attack, PSG said on Saturday.
With the Parisian club, M’Bami won two Coupes de France in 2004 and 2006. He also won an Olympic gold medal with Cameroon at the Sydney 2000 Games.
The “golden goal” M’Bami struck in extra time to seal the Indomitable Lions’ victory over Ronaldinho’s Brazil in the quarterfinals of those Olympics cemented his place in Cameroonian football history.
M’Bami started his career at Académie Kadji Sport before moving on to Dynamo Douala in Cameroon. In 2003, he joined PSG and played there for three seasons.
After that, he played for Olympique de Marseille in France for three seasons. This French team was among those paying respect to the Cameroonian and expressing its “deep regret.”
Numerous footballers paid their respects, including former teammates and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
In an Instagram story, Infantino wrote, “Such sad news,” next to a monochrome picture of M’bami. Modeste M’bami, “RIP.”
M’Bami played for Paris-Saint-Germain for three seasons.
M’Bami played for Paris-Saint-Germain for three seasons.
Corbis Sport/Eddy Lemaistre/Getty Images
“Devastating news,” wrote his Cameroonian teammate George Elokobi on Twitter. RIP, Modeste Mbami, you left us far too soon. I appreciate the warm welcome and the pleasant roommate.
My prayers and condolences are with your family and friends. I appreciate everything you have done for the Cameroon National Team.
M’Bami played for clubs in Spain, China, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, and other countries in addition to France before returning to France to finish his playing career at Le Havre in Ligue 2.
At the age of 35, he decided to retire, and after doing so, he returned to Cameroon and set up recruitment events for African football players.
The Confederation of African Football posted on Twitter, “We are extremely grieved to learn the demise of the former Cameroonian footballer Modeste M’bami.”
“At this terrible time, his family and friends have our deepest sympathies. Rest In Peace, my dear.