Known as the "Black Panther" or simply "The King", football legend Eusebio, who has died aged 71, reigned over Portuguese football in the 1960s, bringing glory to both his club Benfica and his country.
The top scorer in the 1966 World Cup and considered one of the best footballers of all time, Eusebio da Silva Ferreira died of cardio-pulmonary arrest early this morning.
"Eusebio will always be eternal. Rest in peace," wrote Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of the Portuguese national team, in a message posted on his Facebook account alongside a photo of himself and Eusebio.
The top Portuguese footballer of all time Eusebio rivalled all-time greats including Brazilian Pele, Argentina's Alfredo Di Stefano and England's Bobby Charlton.
"I was the best player in the world, top scorer in the world and Europe. I did everything, except win a World Cup," Eusebio said in a interview in 2011, recalling his tears after Portugal's loss in the 1966 World Cup semi-final to England.
From humble origins in the former Portuguese colony of Mozambique, Eusebio da Silva Ferreira was to emerge as one of the World Cup's most feared strikers, combining panther-like pace with a ferocious shooting ability.
Known throughout his career simply as Eusebio, the poor boy from Maputo became a legend for his exploits with Portugal and Lisbon giants Benfica during the 1960s.
Born in 1942, he rose to prominence in Mozambique football circles as a teenager through his performances for Sporting Lourenco Marques, a team with links to Sporting Lisbon.
With his exceptional technique, strength and goal-scoring record, it was not long before word of Eusebio's prowess soon filtered back to Portugal. In December 1960 he was offered trials with Sporting.
Although keen, Eusebio was not willing to risk leaving his beloved mother unless there was the firm promise of a contract. Sporting baulked, creating an opening for Benfica, who snapped up the youngster's signature.
A wrangle with Sporting Lourenco Marques over Eusebio's registration was finally settled, and in 1961 he made his debut for the club, scoring a hat-trick in a friendly.
