The world of football was shocked when the sad news came from medical staff in Lyon that they had been unable to revive the 28-year-old after he collapsed in the 72nd minute of the Confederations Cup semi-final with Colombia.
Harry Redknapp was the man who first brought Foe to England when he signed him for West Ham United from Lens, and said that he had been talking to him about a move to Portsmouth.
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Redknapp was shocked and saddened at the death of Foe, and paid tribute to a player he described as a 'gentle giant.'
"I cannot believe it," said Redknapp.
"I've been speaking to Marc recently, we have been looking to sign him, to bring him to Portsmouth this season, in fact I faxed an offer to him this afternoon that he was going to read tonight.
"You couldn't meet a nicer man, a quieter gentle giant than Marc, he was a fantastic boy.
"He had a good season at Manchester City last season and I was interested in signing him and give him a two-year contract and we've been discussing it.
"It's just come as such a shock, he was in such good physical condition as, he looks after himself and you couldn't meet a nicer boy than Marc, he was a fantastic person.
Redknapp added on Sky Sports that Foe was much loved by everyone during his time at Upton Park.
"Everybody liked having Marc around, I don't think he's ever made an enemy.
"You only have to see the reactions tonight of the French players lining up for the anthem before their game, Thierry Henry was crying his eyes out and the goalkeeper was inconsolable.
"Everyone who came into contact with him would love the man, he was a special person.
"He was a terrific footballer, Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him before I did but unfortunately he broke his leg the day before he was due to sign for United.
"I know Alex kept in contact with him."
His current club Lyon also paid their respects by adding a tribute on his personal website saying: 
"Marc-Vivien Foe will leave us the memory of a charming boy, the incarnation of the joy in life.
"We will keep of him his bursts of laughter. We will not forget you."
Foe's agent Willie McKay was very close to the African ace, and was also distraught at the loss of Foe.
He was on his way from his home in Monaco to Lyon to be with Foe's family as he expressed his grief to Sky Sports.
"We'd watched the match at home in Monaco and the next minute, Marc has collapsed and I was very, very concerned," said McKay.
"I was phoned up to tell me Marc was dead and I couldn't believe it, I'm driving up there to be with Marc's family and friends - and his brother.
"I was to speak with him after the match tonight to discuss a few things, but Harry (Redknapp) loved him.
"I've spoke to Kevin Keegan and everyone is devastated. He was a superfit guy.
"He was a family man, a great guy. He always would say to me if he was moving that 'the babies were hungry' and I was to do me best for him.
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"Everybody loved him at every club he was at, all the guys loved him at West Ham and at Man City.
"He was 100 percent, no matter what. He just worked and worked and worked at whatever club he was at."
Foe's death was marked by a minute's silence in the later semi-final between France and Turkey and several of the French players were in tears during the national anthem - most notably Lyon team-mate Gregory Coupet and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.
A tearful Henry later celebrated his goal with he and his French team-mates pointing skyward in a tribute to Foe.
That sentiment was echoed at Maine Road as Foe's popularity shone through with City fans leaving flowers, shirts and scarves at the ground within minutes of the news.
Manchester City chairman John Wardle released a statement on behalf of the club in memory of Foe, who became a fans' favourite during his season at Maine Road.
"Manchester City Football Club are devastated to hear the tragic news of Marc Vivien Foe's death this evening," read the statement on the club's website.
"Mark, whilst at City, made an excellent contribution to our successful return to The Premiership and was very highly regarded by his fellow players.
"He will be sadly missed by his team-mates, not just as a player, but also as a friend.
"All of our thoughts are with his family at this time."
Foe's death will be a huge loss to football in France, England, Africa, and all over the world, and Fifa president Sepp Blatter added to the tributes for the talented African.
"Fifa and the whole football family are shattered by this unbelievable tragedy," said Blatter.
"On their behalf, I wish to convey our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones, to Cameroon football and his club, and express all our support at this painful time.
"Football has lost a remarkable player and a remarkable man."
Click here to send your messages of condolence via Manchester City's website.
