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Fifa’s special recognition for Harambee Stars legend Allan Thigo
Allan Thigo as Gor Mahia coach in 2008. He led Gor Mahia to victory unbeaten in the 1976 league.
World football governing body, Fifa, has paid glowing tribute to Kenya’s football legend, Allan Thigo, stating that the former Kenyan midfielder’s rich football legacy will not be forgotten.
On Thursday, Fifa president Gianni Infantino wrote to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed, saying that the international football community is saddened by Thigo’s death, which occurred on May 9, 2026.
“I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player, Allan Thigo. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss,” Infantino said in a letter seen by Nation Sport.
“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. 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.”
Allan Thigo.
He continued: “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, in particular his leadership, his personality and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed.”
“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. 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,” concluded Infantino.
Thigo died on May 9, 2026 in Bungoma County after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 77.
In line with his final wish, he was cremated at Hindu Crematorium in Kisumu on May 13, 2026.
Because of his exceptional skills on the ball, passion and unmatched commitment for the game, Thigo revolutionised Harambee Stars’ midfield role, and is considered one of the finest footballers to have come out of Kenya. He went by many nicknames in Kenyan football circles, among them “90-minute man” because he would play the full 90 minutes in a match, “midfield general” for the way he skilfully commanded Harambee Stars midfield, “owner of the field”, and “Ogango Wuon Pap”.
Thigo donned the prestigious national team colours for 13 consecutive years. He was part of the Kenyan team that made history by qualifying for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, which were held in 1972 in Cameroon.
Kenya finished fifth in the eight-team tournament after failing to progress past the group stage.
At club level with Kenyan giants Gor, Thigo enjoyed a remarkable 12-season spell between 1970 and 1981, during which he scored an impressive 88 goals for the club.
Only the late Sammy ‘Jogoo’ Onyango, with 93 goals, scored more goals for Gor Mahia than Thigo.
