Follow Portugal Investment Immigration and Life in Portugal: On January 5, the coffin of legendary Portuguese footballer Eusébio was transported to the Estádio da Luz in Benfica for public viewing. Early that morning, the legendary Portuguese footballer nicknamed the "Black Panther," Eusébio, passed away at his home in the capital, Lisbon, due to cardiac arrest at the age of 71. Eusébio played for Benfica for 15 years, leading the team to 11 league titles, 5 domestic cup titles, 2 European Cup trophies, and 3 European Cup runner-up finishes.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Portugal issued a statement on the 5th announcing three days of national mourning starting that day to commemorate the legendary Portuguese footballer Eusébio, who passed away early that morning.
Eusébio, nicknamed the "Black Panther," passed away at his home in the capital, Lisbon, early on the 5th due to cardiac arrest at the age of 71. In a message of condolence, Portuguese President Cavaco Silva stated, "Portugal has lost one of its most precious children today."
Silva stated that Eusébio was not only a great football player who won victories and honors for his motherland on the pitch, but in life, he was also a humble, warm, and respectable friend. Silva added that the best way to mourn this legendary star is to take him as an example and better carry on his spirit of striving and perseverance.
Portuguese Prime Minister Passos Coelho said that Eusébio was a great athlete who conquered countless fans with his astonishing football talent, persistent belief in victory, and noble personal charisma. The professionalism he displayed throughout his career and the achievements he attained are worthy of everyone's admiration.
The official website of the Portuguese Football Federation also posted several photos of Eusébio competing for the Portuguese national team, stating, "He is the greatest symbol of the Portuguese national team and will be forever remembered in the hearts of all Portuguese people." In addition, the Portuguese Football Federation decided to hold a minute of silence before the start of the Portuguese Cup matches held that day to mourn this great football player.
Famous Portuguese footballer and former national team captain Luís Figo, who had a close relationship with Eusébio, uploaded a photo of himself with Eusébio on social media after learning of his friend's passing, offering his condolences: "Our greatest king, your departure is a huge loss for everyone."
On that day, Eusébio's remains were placed at the Estádio da Luz of the Benfica club, where he played for 15 years, allowing the public to pay their final respects to the football superstar. At the entrance of the Estádio da Luz, an endless stream of fans came to lay flowers and scarves symbolizing the Portuguese national team and Benfica football club in front of Eusébio's bronze statue; many fans had tears in their eyes, writing prayers for Eusébio on notes; some fans even placed a crown on Eusébio's bronze statue.
According to an announcement released by the Estádio da Luz, Eusébio's coffin will leave the stadium at 2:00 PM on the 6th, passing through major streets including Avenida da República, Marquês de Pombal Square, Avenida da Liberdade, Rossio Square, and Lisbon City Hall Square, allowing the public to bid a final farewell to Eusébio. Eusébio's remains will be buried at the Lumiar Cemetery in Lisbon.
Eusébio was born in Mozambique on January 25, 1942. After acquiring Portuguese citizenship, he became one of the most famous football stars in Portuguese history, earning the nickname "Black Panther" for his astonishing speed on the pitch. In the 1966 World Cup, Eusébio scored 9 goals, winning both the World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot, and led the Portuguese national team to third place, creating the most glorious record in the history of Portuguese football. Eusébio was named European Footballer of the Year in 1965 and won the European Golden Shoe twice.
