Eusébio

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira (25 January 1942 – 5 January 2014), commonly known as Eusébio, was a Portuguese footballer who played as a forward. He is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. Born in Mozambique, which was a Portuguese colony at the time, Eusébio moved to Portugal to play for S.L. Benfica, where he spent the majority of his career.

Early Life

Eusébio was born in the Mafalala neighbourhood of Maputo, Mozambique. His talent was discovered when he played for a local youth team in his hometown. His move to Portugal in 1960 was met with excitement and anticipation.

Career

Eusébio's career at S.L. Benfica was marked by numerous achievements, including winning the European Cup in 1962. He scored two goals in the final against Real Madrid, showcasing his exceptional skill and earning him international acclaim.

Throughout his career, Eusébio scored 733 goals in 745 official matches, a remarkable achievement that highlights his scoring ability. He was known for his speed, technique, and powerful right-footed shots.

Eusébio won the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and was the top scorer of the FIFA World Cup in 1966, where Portugal finished third. His performances in the World Cup, particularly the four goals he scored against North Korea in the quarter-finals, are still remembered as some of the best in the history of the tournament.

Legacy

Eusébio's legacy in football is immense. He is often mentioned in the same breath as other football legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona. After retiring, Eusébio remained involved in football, often seen supporting Benfica and the Portuguese national team.

Eusébio's impact extended beyond the football field. He was a symbol of hope and pride for the Portuguese people during a time of political and social upheaval in the country and its colonies. His success helped to break down racial barriers in sports at a time when Portugal was grappling with its colonial legacy.

Death

Eusébio passed away on 5 January 2014, at the age of 71. His death was mourned worldwide, with tributes pouring in from fans, former players, and football organizations. The Portuguese government declared three days of national mourning in his honor.

Honours

Eusébio's list of honours includes numerous league titles with Benfica, the European Cup, and several individual awards such as the Ballon d'Or and the Golden Boot. He remains Benfica's all-time top scorer and is remembered as one of the club's greatest ever players.

See Also

• S.L. Benfica
• 1966 FIFA World Cup
• Ballon d'Or

External Links

• [Eusébio's profile at FIFA.com]
• [Eusébio's profile at UEFA.com]