Michael Osei, Issa Hayatou, and other notable African sports icons who died in 2024

The year 2024 saw the African sporting fraternity mourning the shocking deaths of some of the continent’s greatest and most iconic figures.

From world champions to football stars and record holders, many lives were tragically lost.

Below is a list of some notable figures in African sports who passed away in 2024:

Michael Osei

On November 15, 2024, Asante Kotoko announced the passing of their former player and coach, Michael Osei, at the age of 53.

Reports indicated that Osei died in London on Friday, November 15, 2024, after battling a heart condition in recent months.

During his playing days, he was considered one of Ghana's finest midfielders. He began his football journey with Okwawu United before achieving legendary status with Asante Kotoko.

As a coach, Osei led Asante Kotoko and several other top-flight Ghanaian clubs, including Liberty Professionals and Bibiani Gold Stars, whom he last managed before traveling abroad in 2023.

His death marked the end of a remarkable career in Ghanaian football.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our former player and coach Michael Osei, having sadly suffered with a heart condition in recent months. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and colleagues.

Rest in peace, Michael. pic.twitter.com/zG9Vn4Onsc

— Asante Kotoko SC - 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) November 15, 2024

Issa Hayatou

Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), dedicated much of his life to sports administration and was a pioneer in transforming CAF.

Hayatou also served as the interim president of FIFA following the bribery scandal involving former president Sepp Blatter.

Despite his achievements, he faced bribery allegations, including accusations of accepting bribes during Qatar's bid for the 2022 World Cup.

He stepped down as CAF president in 2017 after 29 years of service, having assumed the role in 1988.

Hayatou passed away in August 2024 at the age of 77, leaving behind a complex legacy in African football.

ISSA HAYATOU HAS DIED: FECAFOOT PAYS TRIBUTE TO AN EXCEPTIONAL MAN!https://t.co/2f8rgwsWAA

— Fecafoot-Officiel (@FecafootOfficie) August 8, 2024

Rebecca Cheptegei

Rebecca Cheptegei's death shocked the world. After competing in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th, the Ugandan sprinter returned home only to meet a tragic end.

Cheptegei succumbed to injuries sustained after being doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend.

Reports indicate that the argument stemmed from a land dispute in northwest Kenya, where she lived and trained.

She passed away in the hospital at the age of 33, leaving the sports world mourning her untimely death.

Rebecca Cheptegei, 2022 world mountain running champion, dies tragically.

World Athletics is shocked and deeply saddened to learn that Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei died tragically on Thursday (5 September) as a result of an alleged domestic abuse attack.… pic.twitter.com/Y2jn1yWffS

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) September 5, 2024

Rachid Mekhloufi

Rachid Mekhloufi was a legendary figure in African football, known for his role in Algeria’s fight for independence.

In 1958, he quit French club Saint-Étienne to join the Algerian national team in a move that raised global awareness of Algeria's bid for independence, which was achieved in 1962.

Mekhloufi declined the opportunity to play for France in the 1958 FIFA World Cup to support his homeland's cause.

Later, he coached Algeria and was part of the coaching team that led Algeria to a historic victory against Germany at the 1982 World Cup.

He also served as president of the Algerian Football Federation.

Mekhloufi passed away in November 2024 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that transcends sports.

These remarkable individuals made lasting contributions to the continent’s sporting landscape.

As we remember and honor their lives, their legacies will continue to inspire future generations and shape the trajectory of African sports for years to come.

Awful news that Rachid Mekhloufi has passed away in Paris at the age of 88. His body will be flown back to Algiers tomorrow.

Mekhloufi was one of Algeria's greatest footballers, yet his legacy transcends sport, as he sacrificed his career to champion Algerian independence pic.twitter.com/y0Z9XXBn4i

— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) November 8, 2024

FKA/MA