Eusebio
da Silva, the Portugal football legend passed away on the 5th of
January due to heart failure leaving behind an unparalleled legacy. Also known
as The Black Panther and The Black Pearl, he is regarded as one of the all time
greats. Nicknamed the Black Panther, he was known for
his speed, technique, athleticism and accurate right-footed shot, making him
prolific goal scorer and one of the greatest free-kick takers in history.
Eusébio
da Silva Ferreira was born in the colonial capital of Lourenço Marques. He moved from his native Mozambique to the
Portuguese club Benfica in 1961. His rise from poverty to
stardom is the dream path that upcoming footballers should follow. He was the
complete package who could rattle the opposition defense like a house of
cards. In his career he scored 733 goals in 745
matches. He was top scorer seven times in the Portuguese league and was
European Golden Boot winner twice. He won the Golden Boot for top scorer in the
World Cup Finals, in England in 1966
with nine goals in six games.
After retiring from
international circuit he lived in Portugal for the rest of his life, acting as
a football ambassador for both his adopted country and Benfica. Tributes
started pouring in from across the globe after Eusebio’s demise. "Portugal is mourning. Eusébio, the
King of Portugal's 1966 team and the eternal symbol of the country, national
team and Benfica passed away" said Portugese Football Federation.
He is survived by his wife,
Flora, two daughters and several grandchildren.
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