Former Portugal and Benfica striker Eusebio, considered one of the best players of all time, has passed away at the age of 71.
The Portuguese state news agency Lusa confirmed the news on Sunday morning that one of the great figures in world football had passed away.
Nicknamed the 'black panther' for his speed and the fear he instilled in his opponents, Mozambique-born Eusebio helped Benfica reach four European Cup finals, winning the tournament in 1962 and being involved in the classic final in 1968 when Benfica lost in extra time to Manchester United.
Eusebio also helped Benfica to 11 Primeira Liga titles between 1961 and 1975, and scored 638 goals in 614 matches.
His international fame peaked during the 1966 England World Cup, when Portugal finished third and Eusebio was top scorer after finding the net nine times during the tournament. His string of stunning performances made him the most famous player in the world at the time, as he picked up both the Golden Boot and the Bronze Ball for player of the tournament, and even the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award that year.
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