Eusebio

Eusébio: The Black Panther of Portuguese Football
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, known as Eusébio, was a famous football player from Portugal. He was born on January 25, 1942, in Lourenço Marques, a city in Mozambique, which was then a Portuguese colony in Africa. Eusébio was known for his speed, strong shots, and love for football. People called him “The Black Panther” because he was quick and powerful.

Early Life and Family
Eusébio grew up in a poor family. His mother raised him and his siblings alone, and life was not easy. From a young age, Eusébio loved to play football. He played on the streets with his friends, often using a ball made from socks or cloth. Despite having little, Eusébio was happy when he played football.

Playing in Mozambique
As a teenager, Eusébio joined a local team called Sporting Lourenço Marques. He played very well, and people began to notice his talent. He was fast and could score many goals. His dream was to play football in Portugal, where the best Portuguese teams were.

Moving to Portugal and Joining Benfica
In 1960, Eusébio’s dream came true. He moved to Portugal and joined SL Benfica, one of the biggest football clubs in the country. Benfica is a famous club, and many people in Portugal support it. Eusébio was excited but also a bit nervous. He wanted to show his talent to everyone.

Becoming a Star at Benfica
At Benfica, Eusébio became a football star. He was fast, strong, and skilled with the ball. In 1962, he helped Benfica win the European Cup, a very important competition. In the final match against Real Madrid, Eusébio scored two goals. Benfica won the game 5-3, and Eusébio became famous all over Europe.

Success in Portugal
Eusébio played many seasons with Benfica. He scored a lot of goals and helped the team win many championships in Portugal. Benfica won the Portuguese league title eleven times with Eusébio. He became the top scorer in Portugal many times. The fans loved him, and he was very popular in Portugal and around the world.

Playing for Portugal
Eusébio also played for the Portuguese national team. In 1966, he played in the World Cup in England. This was a very special tournament for Eusébio and for Portugal. Eusébio scored nine goals in the World Cup, which was more than any other player. He helped Portugal finish in third place, which was a great achievement. People remember Eusébio’s passion and skill in that tournament.

Awards and Honors
Eusébio won many awards in his career. In 1965, he won the Ballon d'Or, a prize for the best football player in Europe. He was the first Portuguese player to win this award. Eusébio was also the top scorer in the European leagues in 1968 and 1973. He was one of the best players of his time.

Later Career and Retirement
Eusébio played for Benfica until 1975. After leaving Benfica, he played for other teams in Portugal and the United States. He played football until he was 37 years old. Eusébio loved football, and he enjoyed playing even in his later years. Finally, in 1979, he decided to retire from professional football.

Life After Football
After retiring, Eusébio stayed close to football. He worked as an ambassador for Benfica, promoting the team around the world. He was also a mentor to young players. Eusébio loved helping others and sharing his experience. He wanted young players to enjoy football and work hard to achieve their dreams.

Legacy and Remembering Eusébio
Eusébio is remembered as a legend in Portugal and around the world. He was one of the first African-born players to become famous internationally. In Portugal, people consider him a national hero. There is even a statue of Eusébio outside Benfica’s stadium in Lisbon. Fans call him “The King,” and they respect him for his achievements and his humble personality.

Passing Away
Eusébio passed away on January 5, 2014, at the age of 71. His death was a sad moment for Portugal and football fans worldwide. Many people gathered to honor him and remember his legacy. Today, people still remember Eusébio as one of the greatest football players of all time.


Here are some multiple-choice and open-ended questions based on Eusébio’s biography.

Multiple-Choice Questions

1 - Where was Eusébio born?

A) Portugal
B) Brazil
C) Mozambique
D) Spain

2 - What nickname did people give Eusébio?

A) The Golden Boy
B) The Black Panther
C) The Lion King
D) The Flying Eagle

3 - Which club did Eusébio join in Portugal?

A) Real Madrid
B) Benfica
C) Sporting CP
D) Porto

4 - In which year did Eusébio help Portugal finish third in the World Cup?

A) 1962
B) 1970
C) 1966
D) 1958

5 - How many goals did Eusébio score in the 1966 World Cup?

A) 5
B) 7
C) 9
D) 11

Open-Ended Questions

1 - Why was football special to Eusébio when he was a child?

2 - What did Eusébio accomplish in the 1962 European Cup final?

3 - How did fans in Portugal and Europe feel about Eusébio?

4 - What major award did Eusébio win in 1965, and why was it special?

5 - Why is there a statue of Eusébio outside Benfica’s stadium?

6 - How did Eusébio contribute to football after he retired?

7 - How is Eusébio remembered today in Portugal?