Former Cameroon international Rigobert Song has died after suffering from cerebral attack.

Former Cameroon international Rigobert Song has died after suffering from cerebral attack.


He passed away after the 40-year-old became “unconscious” and was taken to Yaounde Central Hospital where he passed away, a family member confirmed.

Song played 137 times for his country and had spells with English clubs Liverpool and West Ham. He has been working as a coach for Cameroon’s football federation following his departure as Chad coach.

Former Cameroon team-mate Samuel Eto’o who earlier tweeted in French: “I wish you courage and a speedy recovery big brother” later tweeted again after hearing the sad news again “sad to hear the demise of my big brother, RIP”.

Known for his defensive skills, Song usually plays as a centre back but could also operate at right back.

Internationally, he played at a record eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and served as captain in five (the ones he was not captain for were South Africa 1996, Burkina Faso 1998 and Angola 2010), a record, and holds the record of most consecutive games played in the tournament with 35 first team games. He has won two CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002.

He was the first player from Cameroon to play for Liverpool FC. He also played for West Ham United and Galatasaray.