THE PORTUGUESE soccer legend Eusebio has died. The former Benfica striker was 71.
Portuguese national broadcaster RTP is also reporting the death, saying that Eusebio had suffered heart problems in recent years.
The LUSA news agency said that Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, to give him his full name, died of cardio-pulmonary arrest at 4.30am.
Nicknamed the ‘Black Panther’ or ‘the Black Pearl’, the Mozambican-born frontman is widely considered to be have been one of the greatest players of all-time.
His speed, technique, powerful right foot and strength were just some of the attributes which made him one of the best strikers of his generation.
He came to prominence at the 1966 World Cup in England where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals, four of which he scored in one incredible 5-3 win over North Korea at Goodison Park.
Eusebio played for 15 of his 22 years as a professional footballer at Benfica, scoring an incredible 317 goals in just over 300 games and winning 11 league titles and one European Cup.
He won the Ballon D’Or, European football’s most prestigious individual honour, in 1965.
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RIP footballing legend
Will never forget him in 1966 World Cup–amazing–the best I,ve seen,RIP.
RIP Eusebio. He lit up Goodison Park during the World Cup in ’66. One of the games greats.
A no nonsense no bullshit legend, far removed from today’s ballet dancers.
A proper footballing legend, RIP!!!
RIP a genuine football legend
RIP. Strangely was just watching the 1968 European Cup Final between Man Utd and Benfica last night. Him and George Best. Legends of the game
Eusebio is a Legend. R.I.P. George Best is a washed up drunk that retired at 27. Please don’t compare them.
Erm best played into his 30s. He left united at 27.
Ignore him Kieran , just look at him name and say no more .
RIP
Is you Brady/Brody. Troll
For the benefit of David De Moyes whoever you are, George Best played till he was 38 and I was not comparing him to Eusebio. Everybody knows Eusebio and him were both legends. Mr De Moyes would be better looking at his facts.
I agree Stephen, 2 great legends of football. We all know that George had a drink problem, but at the same time they were 2 of the greatest footballers of our time.
RIP. Brilliant player and a gentleman.
A correction to be made: Portugal won that match versus North Korea 5-3. It wasn’t a 4-4 draw. They were 3-0 down. Eusebio did score 4 in that game.
Spot on Philip. Fixed that now.
Brilliant player. RIP.
RIP – legend was almost kicked to death in a match against North Korea… a true gent and nearly always forgotten by people talk of the ‘greatest’… both he and Garrincha are always missed out… CR7 my b*ll*cks.
Garrincha was amazing, Rivelino ,Tostao , Socrates ,all amazing players.
Portugal has suffered a great loss today. Great player and a fantastic person. May the road be gentle for him.
Met the great man few years ago when Portugal played Ireland in a qualifier…..saw him through a restaurant window and ran in to meet him like an idiot fan does….he was a gent spoke briefly …no english but we spoke french…gave me his autograph on a photo…true legend….funny thing was the lads I was with hadn’t a clue who he was !
Sept ’89.. Derry City vs Benfica in European Cup, he came onto the pitch to wave to the crowd before the game and got a great reception.. Was great to see a legend in person. RIP
Amazing waving experience!
I remember him,he was a super star before the word was invented,no fake diving or injuries here,just a light that shon so so brightly,a wonderfull footballer and human being,R.I.P.
EUSESBO , the name still send shivers down the spine .Great great player
EUSEBIO
Ha,tweet of the week right there
Sorry fanny
http://thescore.thejournal.ie/eusebio-phoenix-from-the-flames-1250006-Jan2014/
Laoch. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam
End of an era in football. An all time legend. R.I.P.
Met him in Dublin after the European qualifier game in ’95, he was a top man who after d game signed autographs for every person who waited for him. An absolute gent. RIP
From what I have seen of him he was a great player but I think Pele was the greatest of all in that era, and probably still is……..all things been equal.
Eusebio was a true great, but please please don’t mention that degenerate George Best in the same sentence. That dirtbird Best basically brought the game into disrepute.
RIP Eusebio…. An actual legend
Best was described by many fellow professionals as the best player ever, and even Pele described him as the best player in the world… But I suppose they wouldn’t know what they’re talking about and you would obviously. Maradonna also brought the game into disrepute as did many other players… doesn’t take away from their brilliance on the pitch, only their life off it..
Head wrecker can you stop making comments about dead people like that. George Best was a brilliant footballer who had a drink problem. He was certainly dot a degenerate. You’re an a..hole.
Grow up you attention seeking child !
Hitler is dead. Will People not be talking about him??? I.e George Best was a alco waster
Moyes u fool
Ye your ma
David if you are going to make comments and you want to disagree at least be mature and stop being so childish.
What a legend, one of the greatest footballers of all time. May he R.I.P.
Had the privilege to see him play.Wonderful player and a man to respect.Bless him.
Rip
Ní beidh a leithéid arís ann. RIP.
lyons the unionist terror supporter obviously got a bit of gaelic off his handler.
Everton glad see back of you ,do 1 you muppet
I agree. David Moyes is rubbish. I taught my name explained how I felt.
R.I.P
Portugal’s best player of all time via Mozambique. C Ronaldo does’nt even come close. European Cup record for Eusebio speaks for itself. RIP.
A legend.. In the top 5 of all time
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