Eusébio's pace and shooting power were decades ahead of the 1960s, and defenders of that era had no answer to either. The Black Panther was the most feared striker of his time.
He was born in Mozambique, played for Portugal and became Benfica's greatest player. Over his career he scored 733 goals, one of the highest totals in professional football.
Two goals against Real Madrid
His first big night came in the 1962 European Cup Final, when Benfica won the trophy and Eusébio scored twice against Real Madrid. In 1965 he won the Ballon d'Or.
The 1966 World Cup
At the 1966 World Cup he finished top scorer with 9 goals and led Portugal to third place at their first-ever tournament.
A statue of him stands outside Benfica's Stadium of Light, one of the best-known monuments in football.
He was the Cristiano Ronaldo of the 1960s: devastating pace, a ferocious shot and a scoring record no one in his era could match. He was a pioneer, and he proved that African-born talent could dominate world football.
Tomorrow: number 16.
