EUSEBIOEUSEBIO
Eusebio joined Benfica from his local club for 7,500 pounds - it was one of the buys of the century as he helped Benfica to a European Cup in 1962 with a stunning double strike against Real Madrid. He also gained runners-up medals in 1963 and 1968.
Nicknamed the 'Black Pearl', Eusebio won his first cap in 1961 and went onto represent his country 77 times, becoming the most honoured Portuguese player in the history of the game. It was his performance in the 1966 World Cup though for which he is best remembered. Nine goals made him the tournament top scorer and he netted four in Portugal's amazing quarter-final comeback against North Korea. The North Koreans had streaked to a 3-0 lead but it just seemed to spur Eusebio on as he replied with his four unanswered goals and assisted another.
1966 Eusebio and Charlton
A year earlier he was awarded the European Player of the year and in 1968 became the first ever recipent of the Golden Boot Award as Europe's top scorer, a feat he repeated five years later.
Eusebio was undoubtedly the most dangerous man in Europe around the goal face. He led the Portuguese League's scoring from 1964 to 1973 and led Benfica to 10 League Championships and five Cup wins.
He was cut down by knee injuries which forced him into the NASL in 1975 and in 1976/77 he played for SC Beira Mar in Portugal. He had further stints in the USA and Mexico, but it is his feats in Europe which have marked him as one of the greatest players ever lived - his talent marked by a statue which stands elegantly in the city of Lisbon.
