Eusébio, Mozambican-Portuguese footballer (d. 2014)

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira GCIH GCM (European Portuguese: [ewˈzɛβju ðɐ ˈsiɫvɐ fɨˈʁɐjɾɐ]; 25 January 1942 – 5 January 2014) was a legendary Mozambican-born Portuguese professional footballer. Revered primarily as a formidable striker, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and unequivocally, S.L. Benfica's most exceptional player in history.

Throughout his illustrious professional career, Eusébio showcased an extraordinary goal-scoring prowess, netting an astounding 733 goals in just 745 competitive matches. For the Portuguese national team, his record stood at an impressive 41 goals in 64 appearances. His electrifying play earned him several iconic nicknames, including "the Black Panther", a moniker reflecting his explosive speed, agility, and predatory instincts on the field; "the Black Pearl", highlighting his rare talent and immense value; and "o Rei" (the King), drawing parallels to other footballing monarchs and cementing his regal status in the sport. He was particularly celebrated for his blistering pace, exquisite technical skill, remarkable athleticism, and above all, his ferociously powerful right-footed shot, which made him an exceptionally prolific and feared goalscorer.

International Acclaim: The 1966 FIFA World Cup and Beyond

Eusébio was instrumental in guiding the Portuguese national team to a historic third-place finish at the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, marking Portugal's best-ever performance at the tournament. His individual brilliance shone brightly as he emerged as the top goalscorer of the competition, finding the net an incredible nine times. A standout moment was his unforgettable four-goal haul in a thrilling quarter-final match against North Korea, where Portugal famously recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win 5-3. For his outstanding contributions, he was deservingly awarded the Bronze Ball, recognizing him as the third-best player of the tournament.

A Decorated Career: Individual and Club Honours

Eusébio's individual accolades underscore his global stature. In 1965, he was awarded the highly coveted Ballon d'Or for European Footballer of the Year, a testament to his unmatched brilliance among his peers. His consistent world-class performances also saw him finish as runner-up for the award in both 1962 and 1966, highlighting his sustained excellence at the pinnacle of European football.

The Benfica Legend: A Legacy Forged in Lisbon

Of his 22-year professional playing career, Eusébio dedicated 15 seasons to S.L. Benfica, the Portuguese giants with whom he became inextricably linked. He stands as the club's all-time top scorer, having amassed an astonishing 473 goals in 440 competitive matches for the Lisbon-based club. During his transformative tenure at Benfica, the club enjoyed a golden era of unparalleled success, securing numerous domestic and international titles.

• Primeira Liga Titles: Eusébio led Benfica to an incredible eleven Primeira Liga (Portuguese top-flight league) championships, demonstrating the team's absolute dominance in domestic football.
• Taça de Portugal: He also lifted the Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup) on five occasions.
• European Cup Triumph: A crowning achievement was the 1961–62 European Cup title, where Benfica defeated the mighty Real Madrid 5-3 in the final, with Eusébio contributing two crucial goals. This victory solidified Benfica's position as a European powerhouse.
• European Cup Finals: Beyond their victory, Eusébio was pivotal in helping Benfica reach three additional European Cup finals in 1963, 1965, and 1968, consistently challenging for the most prestigious club trophy in Europe.

His impact on European club football's premier competition is further evidenced by his remarkable goal-scoring records. He is the eighth-highest goalscorer in the entire history of the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) and holds the distinction of being the second-highest scorer, with 48 goals, in the pre-Champions League era, surpassed only by the legendary Alfredo Di Stéfano. Eusébio was the European Cup's top scorer in three separate seasons: 1964–65, 1965–66, and 1967–68, a testament to his prolificacy on the grandest stage.

Additional Individual Honours

• Bola de Prata: Eusébio won the Bola de Prata (Primeira Liga top scorer award) a record seven times, showcasing his unmatched consistency as the leading goalscorer in Portugal's top division.
• European Golden Boot: He etched his name in history as the first-ever recipient of the European Golden Boot in 1968, an award presented to the leading goalscorer in league matches from the top divisions of every European national league. He remarkably repeated this feat in 1973, reinforcing his status as Europe's premier marksman.

Enduring Legacy and Global Recognition

Eusébio's name consistently features prominently in polls and lists compiled by football critics and fans worldwide, recognizing him among the pantheon of football's all-time greats. The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) elected him as the ninth-best footballer of the 20th century, while World Soccer magazine placed him tenth in their similar poll. In 2004, the iconic Pelé included Eusébio in his prestigious FIFA 100 list, naming him among the 125 best living footballers. He was also voted seventh in the online poll for the UEFA Golden Jubilee, celebrating the continent's most impactful players.

In November 2003, as part of UEFA's Jubilee celebrations, the Portuguese Football Federation honored Eusébio as their "Golden Player of Portugal," acknowledging him as their most outstanding player of the past 50 years. He is often revered as "Africa's first great footballer" and even "Africa's greatest-ever player," highlighting his groundbreaking influence as a global superstar hailing from the African continent.

A Cherished Ambassador and Immortal Icon

From his retirement from professional football until his passing on 5 January 2014, Eusébio remained a beloved ambassador for the sport, instantly recognizable and deeply respected across generations. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes and homages from football's governing bodies, including FIFA, UEFA, the Portuguese Football Federation, and his beloved S.L. Benfica, all celebrating his immense contributions to the beautiful game. António Simões, a former Benfica and Portugal teammate and close friend, poignantly summarized Eusébio's unparalleled impact on Benfica: "With Eusébio maybe we could be European Champions, without him maybe we could win the league." His enduring greatness was further emphasized by Alfredo Di Stéfano, another undisputed football legend, who, shortly after Eusébio's death, declared: "For me Eusébio will always be the best player of all time." These heartfelt tributes underscore Eusébio's irreplaceable status as a footballing immortal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eusébio

Who was Eusébio da Silva Ferreira?

Eusébio was a legendary Mozambican-born Portuguese footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time and S.L. Benfica's greatest-ever player. He was known for his speed, technique, athleticism, and powerful shot.

What were Eusébio's famous nicknames?

He was famously known as "the Black Panther," "the Black Pearl," and "o Rei" (the King).

How many goals did Eusébio score in his career?

Eusébio scored an incredible 733 goals in 745 professional matches. For Portugal, he netted 41 goals in 64 appearances.

What were Eusébio's major achievements with Portugal?

He helped Portugal achieve third place at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, where he was the top goalscorer with nine goals and received the Bronze Ball award.

Which major individual awards did Eusébio win?

Eusébio won the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and was the first-ever winner of the European Golden Boot in 1968, a feat he repeated in 1973. He also won the Bola de Prata (Primeira Liga top scorer award) a record seven times.

What were Eusébio's main club achievements?

With S.L. Benfica, Eusébio won eleven Primeira Liga titles, five Taça de Portugal titles, and the European Cup in 1961–62. He also helped Benfica reach three additional European Cup finals.