Tributes have poured in after the Senegalese lost his life at the age of 68 due to coronavirus-related complications

Marseille have confirmed the sad passing away of former president Pape Diouf, becoming the latest figure in the footballing world to lose his life to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 68-tear-old Senegalese was hospitalized in his home country after contracting COVID-19 before becoming Senegal’s first fatality. The journalist and former, who is also a French citizen, was set to head to Nice for treatment. Unfortunately, his situation quickly deteriorated, preventing him from traveling, before tragically claiming his life. 

Diouf was the first black president of top-flight European club, being in charge at Marseille from 2005 to 2009. He guided the club to two second-placed finishes in Ligue 1 and two French Cup finals, and helped build the Olympiens side that would go on to win the French top-flight title in 2010.

“It is with great sadness that Olympique de Marseille learned of the death of Pape Diouf,” the club wrote on social media after his tragic death.

“Pape will remain in the hearts of the Marseillais forever, as one of the great architects in the club's history. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Several players took to Twitter to send their condolences. These include former Marseille stars Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri, both of whom worked under Diouf during his Vélodrome reign, and Ghana’s Ayew brothers.

Diouf becomes the latest figure in the beautiful game to lose his life to the ongoing pandemic. Real Madrid recently mourned the loss of former president Lorenzo Sanz while Turkish icon Rustu Recber is in critical condition after contracting COVID-19.