Eusebio

Lore & Background

Eusébio helped Portugal reach third place at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, being the top goalscorer of the tournament with nine goals. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and was runner-up in 1962 and 1966. He is Benfica's all-time top scorer with 473 goals in 440 competitive matches. He was the first ever player to win European Golden Boot, World Cup Golden Boot and UCL Golden Boot.

In Their Own Story

The roar of Wembley Stadium in July 1966 seemed to vibrate through the very grass beneath Eusebio's boots. The air was thick with humidity and anticipation as Portugal faced Hungary, a match that would become etched in history books. With the ball at his feet, the 'Black Panther' accelerated past defenders who looked like statues in his wake. He struck the leather hard, sending it soaring into the net for his second goal of the game. In that moment, amidst the chaos of the World Cup, Eusebio was not just a player; he was the embodiment of Portuguese pride.

Reader's Guide

Eusébio was known for his speed, technique, athleticism and right-footed shot, making him a prolific goalscorer, accumulating 733 goals in 745 matches. In the UEFA Champions League, he ranks second for the all-time Portuguese top goalscorers, scoring 47 goals. He is the second-highest goalscorer, behind Alfredo Di Stéfano, in the pre-Champions League era of the European Cup with 47 goals.

Did You Know?

• Eusébio was the first ever player to win the European Golden Boot, in 1968, a feat he replicated in 1973.
• He was the European Cup top scorer in 1964–65, 1965–66 and 1967–68.
• He won the Bola de Prata for the Primeira Liga top scorer a record seven times.
• Pelé named Eusébio as one of the 125 best living footballers in his 2004 FIFA 100 list.