Portugal Honors Eusébio with Special Tribute Kit as Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Squad
Portugal has revealed a unique international kit to honor legendary striker Eusébio, who passed away in 2014. This special-edition jersey pays tribute to one of the country’s greatest football icons.
Eusébio, known as the “Pantera Negra” (Black Panther), was a key player for Portugal during the 1960s and early ’70s. He also played a significant role in Benfica’s success, contributing to 11 league championships and several domestic trophies, including their European Cup victory in the 1961-62 season, where he scored in a stunning 5-3 final against Real Madrid in Amsterdam.
With a career total exceeding 700 goals, Eusébio is regarded as one of the top scorers in football history. His record of 41 goals in 64 appearances for the national team remained unchallenged for many years until it was surpassed by Pauleta and, more recently, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently leads the all-time scoring chart in men’s international football with 143 goals, reached his 400th career goal just three days after Eusébio’s passing. He dedicated that milestone, stating, “The goals are for Eusébio. I was very close to him, and he supported me a lot.”
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Eusébio’s win of the Ballon d’Or in 1965, Puma has created a tribute kit in collaboration with Eusébio’s family. This kit has been approved by his wife, Flora Bruheim, who expressed her emotional reaction to the tribute, noting that Eusébio would be “very happy” with this acknowledgment of his legacy.
The new black jersey features elegant gold accents, reflecting the majestic aura associated with a player often referred to as “O Rei” (“The King”), a title he shared with Brazilian legend Pelé. Additionally, the material showcases a subtle repeating shield pattern representing the Portuguese football federation’s crest from 1914 to 1966, the year Eusébio and his teammates secured a third-place finish in the FIFA World Cup in England.
A limited edition of the authentic kit featuring Eusébio’s iconic No. 13 will be available, with only 1,965 pieces produced. The Portugal national team will wear this special kit on November 16 during a World Cup qualifier against Armenia in Porto.
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