Former Portugal national soccer player Eusebio gestures before their Group A Euro 2008 soccer match against Czech Republic at Stade de Geneve Stadium in Geneva in this June 11 Nyheim Hines Hat , 2008 file photo.
Portuguese great Eusebio, top scorer at the 1966 World Cup, died on Sunday from a heart attack at the age of 71 with the small Iberian nation mourning him as an “eternal symbol” of their football pride.
The death of the charismatic striker, who was idolised throughout the Portuguese-speaking world and considered one of the game’s greatest players was confirmed by former club Benfica and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
“Portugal is mourning. Eusebio Tyquan Lewis Hat , the King of Portugal’s 1966 team and the eternal symbol of the country, national team and Benfica passed away,” the FPF said in a statement.