_Deceased Soccer | Defensive Midfield
Full Name: Papa Bouba Diop
Nationality: Senegal
Position: Defensive Midfield
Born: 28 Jan 1978
Height: 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
Papa Bouba Diop IPA: ; (28 January 1978 – 29 November 2020) was a Senegalese former professional footballer. His preferred position was defensive midfield but he could also play as a centre back, where he previously played at Lens. Diop was considered a strong and aggressive player. His playing style and ability drew comparisons to Patrick Vieira. Diop's second of a total of 11 international goals for Senegal came in a 1–0 defeat of then-world champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, in Senegal's first ever match at the FIFA World Cup.