Fifa President Gianni Infantino/ FILE
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially sent a moving message of condolence to the Football Kenya Federation following the passing of legendary midfielder Allan Thigo.
The former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia FC maestro, fondly remembered across East African football as the “90-minute man,” passed away on May 9, leaving behind a legacy woven deeply into the history of Kenyan football.
In official correspondence addressed to FKF President Hussein Mohammed, the FIFA chief conveyed the sorrow shared by the global football fraternity, describing Thigo’s death as a painful loss not only for Kenya but for African football as a whole.
Writing from FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Infantino spoke with emotion about the difficulty of finding words capable of easing the grief surrounding the passing of one of Kenya’s most revered football figures.
“I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player, Allan Thigo,” Infantino wrote. “Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.”
Infantino reflected on Thigo’s enormous contribution to the national team during a defining era for Kenyan football, remembering his role in helping Kenya announce itself on the continental stage in the early 1970s.
“During his international career, Allan Thigo won over 80 caps for Kenya and was part of the national team that qualified for their first-ever African Cup of Nations in 1972,” Infantino recalled.
For many Kenyan football lovers, Thigo’s name remains inseparable from the rise of Gor Mahia into a regional powerhouse. His influence stretched beyond midfield artistry into leadership, inspiration and the shaping of one of the most celebrated generations in the club’s history.
Infantino paid tribute to those achievements, highlighting milestones that still echo proudly through the corridors of Kenyan football history.
“At club level, he will be remembered for his long career with Gor Mahia FC, notably winning an unbeaten league title in 1976, before leading the club to the final of the 1979 African Cup Winners’ Cup,” the FIFA President added.
Beyond medals, appearances and historic victories, Thigo built his reputation through elegance on the ball, tireless energy and a commanding intelligence that allowed him to dictate matches from midfield. His calm authority and fierce devotion to the game transformed him into more than a footballer — he became a symbol of an era.
Infantino acknowledged those qualities in his tribute, praising the humanity and leadership that made Thigo beloved both on and off the pitch.
“Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia FC legend, known for his creativity, vision and commanding presence in midfield, his dedication and passion for football, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his leadership, his personality and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed,” Infantino stated.
As Kenya continues mourning one of its football giants, the message from FIFA is a reminder that Thigo’s influence stretched far beyond national borders. His story remains stitched into the fabric of African football — a tale of endurance, elegance and service to the game.
Concluding his tribute, Infantino extended solidarity to the Kenyan football fraternity and the family Thigo leaves behind, offering comfort from the international football community during this painful moment. “On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Football Kenya Federation, and to Allan Thigo’s family, friends and loved ones,” Infantino said.
“Our thoughts are with all of you. We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.”
