Former Benin Republic international striker Razak Omotoyossi, who was married to Nigerian actress Bose Alao, has died at the age of 38.
Reports from Benin Republic on Tuesday confirmed his death, though details surrounding the circumstances have not been made public.
Omotoyossi, born in Lagos, Nigeria, began his career locally before moving abroad.
He played for clubs including FC Metz in France and Helsingborgs IF in Sweden.
He became one of the most recognisable figures in Beninese football after switching allegiance to the national team.
He was the first Benin player to score at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and his four goals against Togo in the 2008 AFCON qualifiers remain a landmark performance in the country’s football history.
Away from football, Omotoyossi was married to actress and entrepreneur Bose Alao.
The couple met in 2007 through a colleague in the film industry and got married the same year.
Their union, which produced four children, faced challenges including a publicised separation, allegations of domestic violence in 2018 and eventual reconciliation.
Alao has spoken openly about their marital struggles, including a three-year separation period during which she described herself as becoming her husband’s “side chick.”
In June 2018, she publicly apologised to him after earlier accusing him of abuse, saying both parties had been guilty of violence and were undergoing therapy.
The late striker’s death has drawn reactions across the African football community, where he was widely regarded for his role in elevating Benin’s profile in continental competitions.
