Eusebio, Soccer icon, passed at 71

Portuguese soccer player, Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, died yesterday in Lisbon at the age of 71 due to a cardiorespiratory arrest. The news was announced by the Benfica, team were he became a legend in the 60s.

Eusebio, considered as the best Portuguese player in history, became a hero in his country when he led them to achieve the third place in the 1966 World Cup played in England. He also is considered as one of the best players of all times, worldwide.

The “Black Panther,” as he was known, had been hospitalized several times due to health problems. In late June of 2012 he suffered a brain stroke and he was admitted for 10 days.

Today, family, friends and fans will give a final goodbye to Eusebio during a Mass in his honour. Later, he will be buried in the cemetery of Lumiar, north of Lisbon, near the Da Luz Stadium, where he played for the Benfica.

His coffin will tour the stadium for the fans to say goodbye. His body rests from yesterday in the chapel of the sports arena. The Portuguese government declared three days of national mourning and ordered that flags to fly at half-mast. The Portuguese Soccer Federation ordered a minute of silence before the games played yesterday within the Cup of Portugal.