# Eusébio

> Portuguese footballer (1942–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q162043](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q162043)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusébio)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eusebio

## Summary

Eusébio was born on January 25, 1942 in Maputo[1][2][3][4][5][6] and died of heart failure on January 5, 2014 in Lisbon[7][8][9]. He held Portuguese citizenship[9] and was buried at the Church of Santa Engrácia.He worked as an association football player and athlete[6][9][10]. Throughout his career he received the Ballon d'Or, the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Portugal, the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry, and the UEFA President's Award[11].

## Summary
Eusébio was a Portuguese footballer (1942–2014) who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of association football. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and leadership on the field, he won the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and is celebrated for his contributions to both club and national team success.

## Biography
- Born: January 25, 1942
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Education: Unknown (no data provided)
- Known for: Winning the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and being a legendary striker for Benfica and Portugal
- Employer(s): Benfica (1957–1974), Portugal national team (1961–1974)
- Field(s): Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Eusébio is best known for his prolific goal-scoring career, where he scored over 700 goals in 650 official matches. He led Benfica to multiple league titles and European Cup victories, including the historic 1961 European Cup final against Barcelona. As the captain of the Portugal national team, he helped guide them to the 1966 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost to England. His influence extended beyond his playing career, as he became a cultural icon in Portugal and a global ambassador for the sport.

## FAQs
**What awards did Eusébio win during his career?**
Eusébio won the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and the UEFA President's Award for his contributions to football. He was also recognized with numerous domestic and international honors, including multiple league titles with Benfica.

**Where did Eusébio play professionally?**
Eusébio played for Benfica from 1957 to 1974, where he became a club legend. He also represented the Portugal national team from 1961 to 1974, earning over 100 caps and leading them to the 1966 World Cup final.

**What is Eusébio's most famous achievement?**
Eusébio's most famous achievement is winning the Ballon d'Or in 1965, an award given to the best footballer in the world. He is also remembered for his role in Benfica's 1961 European Cup victory and Portugal's 1966 World Cup final appearance.

## Why They Matter
Eusébio's impact on football is immeasurable. As one of the greatest strikers of all time, he revolutionized the way players approached the sport, blending speed, technique, and an unmatched ability to score goals. His leadership on the field and off inspired generations of players, and his cultural influence in Portugal made him a national hero. Without Eusébio, football would lack one of its most iconic figures, and the sport's global appeal would be diminished.

## Notable For
- Winning the Ballon d'Or in 1965
- Leading Benfica to multiple European Cup victories
- Captaining Portugal to the 1966 World Cup final
- Scoring over 700 goals in his career
- Being awarded the UEFA President's Award for sportsmanship

## Body
### Early Life
Eusébio was born on January 25, 1942, in Lisbon, Portugal. He began playing football at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of youth soccer. His talent was evident early on, and he was signed by Benfica at the age of 15, marking the start of his professional career.

### Career
Eusébio's career with Benfica spanned from 1957 to 1974, during which he became the club's all-time top scorer. He led Benfica to multiple league titles and European Cup victories, including the historic 1961 European Cup final against Barcelona. His performances earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1965, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of his era.

As the captain of the Portugal national team, Eusébio helped guide them to the 1966 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost to England. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess made him a key figure in Portugal's golden era of football. He retired from professional football in 1974 but remained a cultural icon and a global ambassador for the sport.

### Legacy
Eusébio's legacy extends beyond his playing career. He became a symbol of Portuguese pride and a cultural icon in the country. His influence on football is enduring, and he is often cited as an inspiration for modern strikers. His name is synonymous with excellence in the sport, and his achievements continue to be celebrated worldwide.

### Awards and Recognition
Eusébio received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and the UEFA President's Award for sportsmanship. He was also recognized with multiple domestic and international honors, including league titles with Benfica and caps with the Portugal national team. His contributions to football have earned him a permanent place in the sport's history.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/esportes,idolo-do-futebol-portugues-eusebio-morre-aos-71-anos,1115152,0.htm)
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. nasljerseys.com
5. The Fine Art Archive
6. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=153)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. IMDb
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Argentine Soccer Database
12. Transfermarkt
13. Proleksis Encyclopedia
14. Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija Online
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. UEFA.com
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line