Paris Saint-Germain has lost one of its brightest stars. Nambatingue Tokomon , known as "Toko," passed away on Tuesday, February 10th, at the age of 73. An iconic striker of the 1980s, he will forever be remembered as the one who paved the way for the capital club's European success.

The Park's first European hero

If his name still resonates in the stands of the Parc des Princes, it is for a specific date: September 28, 1982. Against Lokomotiv Sofia, during PSG's baptism of fire on the continental stage, Toko opened the scoring in the 20th minute.

Scoring twice that evening (5-1 victory), the native of N'Djamena wrote his name at the top of Parisian history by becoming the club's first goalscorer in the European Cup .

An exemplary track record and consistency

Arriving in Paris in 1980, Toko was one of the pillars of the club's rise to power. In four seasons, his record commands respect:

1. 171 matches played.
2. 43 goals scored.
3. 2 French Cups won (1982 and 1983).

Before shining in the red and blue jersey, he had already left his mark on French football: finalist in the Coupe de France with Nice (1978), French champion with Strasbourg (1979) and author of a mythical hat trick at the Vélodrome in the colors of Valenciennes .

A tribute to a man of heart

Beyond his statistics, it is the man who leaves a huge void. Michel Denisot , former president of the club, paid tribute to the memory of a "football expert" who "loved life," highlighting his constant good humor both on the field and in the technical staff, where he worked until the end of the 90s.

"The Paris Saint-Germain family is in mourning. Nambatingue Tokomon, known to everyone as Toko, has passed away at the age of 73." — Official statement from PSG.