Antoine Bonifaci, former star player of OGC Nice and selected twelve times for the France team (2 goals), died at the age of 90, the Nice club announced on Wednesday (December 29th).
It’s a “Legend of the red and black club” which died out, writes OGC Nice on its official website, recalling that in the neighboring town of Villefranche-sur-mer, the football stadium bears his name. “A name that all generations know and which is passed on, like a heritage”, adds the club.
A native of Bezons, in Val-d’Oise, Bonifaci had landed in “Gym” in 1948 and actively participated in the first conquests of the red and black club. Star of the Aiglons at 18, French international at 20, he became champion of France in 1951, then achieved the Cup-Championship double in 1952.
The championship match against Nantes will be dedicated to him
Midfielder, this Corsican of origin then took the direction of Italy, winning Serie A with Inter Milan in 1954. He also wore the colors of Bologna, Torino and Lanerossi de Vicenze, which closed the doors of the France team to him.
His 12 caps were all recorded while wearing the jersey of OGC Nice, the club with which he scored 22 goals in 125 games. He ended his career at the Stade Français then returned to the Côte d’Azur for a peaceful retirement.
The championship match against Nantes, counting for the 21st day of Ligue 1, on January 14 at the Allianz Riviera, will be dedicated to him, the club said on Wednesday.