The year was 1960, and Bela Guttmann sat in his chair at the local barber's shop.
Guttman, one of the most
iconic football coaches of his day, had just led Portuguese club Benfica
to the European Cup and achieved legendary status.
But that was not enough for him -- he wanted more.
While pondering his
plans, a gentleman in the next chair, who happened to be visiting the
country as coach of touring Brazilian side Sao Paulo, let Guttmann in on
a little secret.
He told the Hungarian about "A Pantera Negra" -- the man they were calling "The Black Panther."
A legend had begun to
spread from Mozambique about a young player plying his trade with a
youth team in the African country's capital, now known as Maputo, with
links to Benfica's great rivals -- Sporting Lisbon.
The son of a white
Angolan railway worker and a black mother from the Mozambique community,
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira was the name on everybody's lips.
Guttmann took no chances
-- Eusebio's mother had already turned down the advances of Italian
club Juventus, so he made the family an offer they could not refuse.
The financial incentive
worked and the player joined Benfica, much to the dismay of Sporting
officials, who had dallied in their pursuit of the player.
The rest, as they say,
is history -- and what a history: 733 goals in 745 matches confirmed
Eusebio's status as one of the all-time greats.
As Portugal said goodbye
to one of its most famous sons Monday, following his death at the age
of 71, thousands took to the streets to farewell a man who had brought
joy and inspiration to a generation as the government declared three
days of mourning.
"He had a tremendous amount of love for his club Benfica, for whom he served as an ambassador.
"I've seen fans from
various clubs, including longtime rivals, paying homage to a man they've
learned to respect for his talent and flair, but also for his
personality.
"Only a man such as Eusebio would be able to unify fans in such fashion. That says a lot."
During an illustrious
career in which he won 11 Portuguese league titles, five domestic cups
and a European crown, Eusebio became a legend of world football.
From the moment he
entered national consciousness by helping Benfica retain the European
Cup in 1962, where he scored twice in a thrilling 5-3 final win over
Real Madrid in Amsterdam, the country began to fall in love with the man
from Mozambique.
His incredible
acceleration and lethal right foot helped him take Benfica to the very
top of the European game, while he was honored as the continent's best
player by winning the Ballon d'Or in 1965.
But it was at the 1966
World Cup that he became worldwide sensation as he produced a series of
performances which brought adulation from from across the globe.
His nine goals, the most
by any player at the tournament, helped Portugal reach the semifinal
where it was beaten by the host nation England, which eventually went on
to win the tournament.
Such was Eusebio's
impact that Inter Milan reportedly offered the striker 40 times his
salary to lure him away from Benfica and even approached his wife to
sign the contract on his behalf.
The move was scuppered,
however, in rather bizarre circumstances though, as Portuguese Prime
Minister António de Oliveira Salazar refused Eusebio permission to leave
the country.
Instead, Eusebio
remained at Benfica, scoring goals and helping his side reach the 1968
European Cup final, but this time losing to Manchester United at Wembley
after extra-time.
It was in that contest that Eusebio's sportsmanlike qualities shone through.
With the game tied,
Eusebio had the opportunity to win the contest but when his effort was
brilliantly saved by United keeper Alex Stepney, the striker simply
stood and applauded. It was a gesture which would not be forgotten.
After leaving Benfica in
1975, Eusebio moved across the Atlantic to play in the U.S. before
retiring in 1980 following ongoing problems with his right knee.
He continued to work in
football as an ambassador for Benfica and Portugal's national side,
meeting with high-profile players on European match nights and attending
global tournaments on a regular basis until his death on January 5,
2014. He left behind his wife Flora and their two daughters.
"I think he is immortal," Chelsea's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho told state broadcaster RTP.
"We all know what he meant for football and especially for Portuguese football.
"He was not only a great
inspiration but also an important figure in upholding the values,
principles and feelings of football, even after finishing his career."
Eusebio's status as
Portugal's greatest football player was confirmed by the thousands who
flocked to watch his coffin paraded through the streets of Lisbon.
His statue, which stands
proud outside Benfica's Stadium of Light, is adorned with scarves,
flowers and banners from fans across the globe.
"I was the best player in the world, top scorer in the world," Eusebio once said. "I did everything, except win a World Cup.That he did not win one does not detract from the impact he made on Portugal and on football around the world.
Within moments of the
news breaking that he had passed away following a heart attack, the
likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo were paying tribute to "O Rei"
-- the King.
In Lisbon, despite the
rain, fans continued to line the streets to say farewell as the black
hearse moved slowly through the streets.
"Even though my
generation didn't see him play, through archive we were able to witness
some of his brilliant skill," added Mendonca, who grew up listening to
tales of Eusebio.
"But even better than
that, we were able learn about what he meant as a footballer and person
through the stories of our parents and grandparents.
"The way that he
exploded on the pitch, with his fast pace combined with the power of his
right foot, was simply unreal. His attributes could easily make him a
star even in today's game."
Though he may now have passed away, Eusebio's legacy remains.
A trailblazer who
overcame poverty and early hardship in Africa to become one of the
game's most talented and recognizable faces.
It would appear that in barber shops in Lisbon, they'll be talking about Eusebio for many years to come.
Within moments of the
news breaking that he had passed away following a heart attack, the
likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo were paying tribute to "O Rei"
-- the King.
In Lisbon, despite the
rain, fans continued to line the streets to say farewell as the black
hearse moved slowly through the streets.
"Even though my
generation didn't see him play, through archive we were able to witness
some of his brilliant skill," added Mendonca, who grew up listening to
tales of Eusebio.
"But even better than
that, we were able learn about what he meant as a footballer and person
through the stories of our parents and grandparents.
"The way that he
exploded on the pitch, with his fast pace combined with the power of his
right foot, was simply unreal. His attributes could easily make him a
star even in today's game."
Though he may now have passed away, Eusebio's legacy remains.
A trailblazer who
overcame poverty and early hardship in Africa to become one of the
game's most talented and recognizable faces.
It would appear that in barber shops in Lisbon, they'll be talking about Eusebio for many years to come.
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