Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), passed away on Thursday, just one day before his 78th birthday, after a prolonged illness. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the global football community, reflecting the profound impact he had on the sport.

Hayatou, who was at the helm of CAF for an impressive 29 years from 1988 to 2017, is remembered for his instrumental role in shaping African football. The news of his passing was met with heartfelt condolences from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who praised Hayatou as a “passionate sports fan” in an Instagram tribute on Thursday evening.

CAF, in a statement issued by current President Patrice Motsepe, acknowledged Hayatou’s significant contributions to the development of African football. Motsepe announced that the CAF flag and the flags of all CAF Member Associations would be flown at half-mast for five days, until August 13, 2024, in honour of Hayatou’s legacy.

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, also expressed his sorrow at Hayatou’s passing. “The NFF and the entire Nigeria football family are terribly saddened by the death of Alhaji Issa Hayatou. He was a great and much-loved leader of African football and did his best to leave African football greater than he met it,” Gusau remarked. He further described Hayatou as a man of “strong character and integrity,” offering prayers for Hayatou’s eternal peace and strength for the football community.

Here are ten key aspects of Issa Hayatou’s illustrious career:

1. Early Life and Education: Born on August 9, 1946, in Garoua, then French Cameroon, Hayatou was deeply involved in sports from a young age. He excelled in athletics, becoming a national champion in the 400m and 800m events and representing Cameroon in basketball and football.
2. Career Beginnings: Hayatou started his professional journey as a physical education and sports teacher at Lycée Leclerc in Yaoundé from 1973 to 1974. He later became the National Sports Director from 1982 to 1988.
3. Football Administration: His administrative career began with the Cameroon Football Federation, where he served as Secretary General (1974–1983), Vice President (1984–1986), and President (1986–1988). He was a pivotal member of the CAF Executive Committee and later ascended to its presidency in 1988.
4. Global Influence: Hayatou joined FIFA’s Executive Committee in 1990, becoming Vice President in 1992. He led various FIFA committees, including those overseeing the World Cup and Confederations Cup, and chaired the Olympic Football Tournaments Committee from 1992 to 2006.
5. CAF Presidency: Hayatou’s tenure as CAF President spanned from 1998 to 2017. His leadership was marked by significant achievements, including South Africa’s historic hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the first time the tournament was held on the African continent.
6. Interim FIFA Presidency: In 2015, during Sepp Blatter’s suspension amid a bribery scandal, Hayatou briefly served as FIFA’s interim president from October 2015 to February 2016.
7. Presidential Bid: Hayatou challenged Blatter for the FIFA presidency in 2002 but was defeated, as support from many African nations did not translate into a winning vote.
8. IOC Membership: Beyond football, Hayatou was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2020, contributing significantly to global sports governance.
9. Honours: In recognition of his contributions, Hayatou was awarded an honorary degree in literature by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Nigeria on November 3, 2007.
10. Legacy: Hayatou’s leadership left an indelible mark on African football, advancing the sport’s profile and influence on the global stage.

Issa Hayatou’s enduring legacy is a testament to his dedication and vision for African football, shaping its trajectory and inspiring future generations.