Our King, always!

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira would celebrate 79 years on Monday, January 25. Born in Lourenço Marques - today Maputo (Mozambique) - in 1942, passed away on January 5, 2014, leaving a wave of sadness and longing among all those who worshiped the King of Portuguese football.

He joined Benfica in December 1960. A 15-season story told through excellent displays, magical goals, and unique achievements, that turned Eusébio into one of the best Portuguese players of all times.

With an eagle on his chest he made 614 appearances, he scored 638 goals (an average of more than 1 per match), and won 10 National Championships, 5 Portuguese Cups, 1 European Cup and 5 Lisbon Honor Cup.

The footballing quality he always showed in his career earned him a Golden Ball in 1965. Eusébio was the only Portuguese player to ever win a Golden Ball whilst representing a Portuguese club (Benfica). On two occasions – 1968 and 1973 – we won the Golden Boot, the trophy for the European top scorer.

The deserved and moving tribute to the King

In the early morning of January 5, 2014, the country received the news that Eusebio had died. A day that was marked in the history of Sport Lisboa e Benfica as one of the saddest days ever.

Supporters of all clubs, from all nationalities, emblems from all latitudes made a point of paying a last tribute to the Black Panther. Scarves from various clubs, posters, photographs, and other artifacts were left next to the statue of the King.

In July 2013 was inaugurated the Benfica Museum - Cosme Damião. Besides the most unforgettable moments and titles of the Club (football and other sports), there is a space entirely dedicated to Eusébio.

On 3 July 2015, the National Pantheon received the mortal remains of Eusébio, in a ceremony attended by the family of the former footballer, Chairman Luís Filipe Vieira and several personalities from Portuguese society.

Photos: SL Benfica / Archive