Portuguese club Benfica, where Eusebio played for most of his career, honored their fallen legend today in grand style.
In their first home match since his passing, the club organized a number of brilliant tributes to his legacy at the club on the league and world stage.
Eusebio, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 71, spent 15 seasons with the Portuguese club and scored 317 league goals in 304 appearances.
Days after holding a rally at Benfica’s Luz stadium with the legendary player’s coffin at the center of the pitch, the fans and players alike honored their club hero.
A beautiful tifo and other intricately placed decorations around the pitch and stands adorned the Estadio da Luz before the match:
Amazing atmosphere at da Luz. Great tifo for Eusébio. Descanse em paz, O Rei! pic.twitter.com/aOB1xT8Q6X
— Jan Fredrik Hagen (@JanFHagen) January 12, 2014
As the players emerged, they showed the name “Eusebio” on the back of each player’s kit.
All the Benfica players plays with "Eusébio" on the back of their shirts. What a great way to honour him. pic.twitter.com/srB35azdlk
— Jan Fredrik Hagen (@JanFHagen) January 12, 2014
When Rodrigo gave Benfica the opening goal, he celebrated calmly and dedicated the score to the man of the day:
Rodrigo dedicates his goal earlier to Eusébio. Benfica classy today vs Porto, in more than one respect. pic.twitter.com/HFXpodVGDz
— Messi Minutes (@HENRlK_Zeberg) January 12, 2014
Eusebio brought Benfica to new heights, playing in five UEFA Cup finals and winning two, and also earning the Ballon d’Or in 1965.
