Eusebio leaves rich legacy

Portuguese forward Eusebio died of a heart attack in Lisbon at the age of 71 yesterday leaving behind a legacy that marks the Benfica legend out as one of the greatest players in soccer history.

Born Eusebio da Silva Ferreira in the Mozambique capital Maputo on January 25, 1942, he rose to international prominence at the 1966 World Cup in England and went on to cement his reputation over the following decade, winning many admirers with his speed, technique, athleticism and a ferocious right-foot shot.

Eusebio began playing football barefoot as a child on Mozambique’s dust track pitches before jumping into the spotlight at Benfica. He helped the club reach four European Cup finals, the last in 1968 when they lost to Manchester United in extra-time at Wembley.