The legendary former French international Bernard Lacombe died at the age of 72.
The productive striker is perhaps best remembered as one of the victorious European champions of 1984 alongside Michel Platini and scored 12 times for Les Bleus in his 38 international performances.
One of those strikes remains a record breaker today, after Lacombe scored within 30 seconds of the World Cup collision with Italy in 1978, the fastest in France in the largest competition of football.
In addition to success on the international stage, Lacombe was known in the seventies and eighties as one of the most deadly attackers in France.
In fact, he has the second most goals of each player in Ligue 1 history and he registers 255 strikes in 497 performances in Stints with Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux.
The French giants Lyon, where he played 258 times, paid tribute to their former star and manager on social media in the aftermath of the tragic news.
“It is with enormous sadness that we learned on Tuesday evening from the death of Bernard Lacombe,” they wrote.
'All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as with the fans of Olympique Lyonnais and football.
“Rest in Peace, Bernard.”
After hung his boots, Lacombe Lyon went to manage – where he came through the ranks born in the city – for four years between 1996 and 2000 and the Intertoto Cup won in 1997.
He would also spend 20 years as a special adviser for owner Jean-Michel Aulas, and was reportedly crucial for the preservation of a number of Brazilian players from the club, such as Juninho.
President Philippe Diallo of the French football federation added an emotional reaction to the news and said: 'It is with deep sadness that I heard from the death of Bernard Lacombe. Bernard Lacombe left an indelible mark on French football, as a player, coach and manager.
“He was one of the biggest strikers in the history of French football. The second highest scorer in division 1, made his mark on the glorious history of Lyon, Saint-étienne and Bordeaux. He also seemed to be with the French national team. His goals helped to establish Les Bleus on the international stage.
'Bernard Lacombe made an important contribution to the European Championship title of 1984. He performed some of the greatest performance in France, including his goal in the opening seconds of the match against Italy at the 1978 World Cup. He was undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many strikers.
'After his remarkable gaming career, Bernard Lacombe brought his football knowledge to work for Olympique Lyonnais, his beloved club.
'With Jean-Michel Aulas, I think I think at these difficult moments, he formed a duo that OL transformed into a successful club.
'Deeply attached to his city, his club and his friends, Bernard Lacombe will be deeply missed.
“The federation will pay him tribute. On behalf of all French football, I am expanding my most sincere compassion to his family and friends. '
Bordeaux, for whom he played 297 times and scored 137 goals, added to X: 'With enormous sadness, Bernard Lacombe has just left us at the age of 72.
'Played for [Bordeaux] Between 1979 and 1987, this legendary striker left his mark on the history of the club with his talent and generosity.
'The whole Marine et Blanc family is today mourning a striker of rare Elegance, one of the greatest players in the history of the club. Thank you, Bernard. '