Former Asian Games gold medallist footballer Fortunato Franco dies aged 84

One of India's finest mid-fielders, Franco was a part of Indian football's golden era between 1960-64.

Fortunato Franco.

Former India footballer Fortunato Franco passed away in Goa on Monday. He was 84.

Franco was an integral part of India’s 1962 Jakarta Asian Games gold medal winning team, where India defeated South Korea 2-1 in the final.

Franco was also a member of the Indian team in the 1960 Rome Olympics, and the Indian squad which finished second in the 1962 Asian Cup.

Franco, who made his international debut against Pakistan in the Asian Cup qualifiers in Ernakulam (1959), earned 26 India caps.

On the national circuit, Franco captained Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy from 1959 to 1966. He led Maharashtra to the Santosh Trophy title in the 1963-64 season.

At the club level, he represented Tata Sports Club with distinction.

“It is devastating to hear that Mr. Fortunato Franco is no more. He was a member of Indian football’s golden generation, who played a stellar role in helping India win the gold medal in the 1962 Asian Games. His contribution to Indian football can never be forgotten. I share the grief,” Praful Patel, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president stated in a press release.