Certainly the club's golden era occured in the 1960s, when the fantastic Eusebio famously wore the red shirt of the club. Eusebio da Silva Ferreira was born in 1942 in Mozambique. He was a naturally gifted footballer, capable of scoring from all angles. He possessed a scorching shot, blazing speed, and heading ability, all topped by his world-respected sportsmanship. My endearing memory of him is that he always shook the hand of the goalkeeper he had beaten from the penalty spot and often after scoring in open play against them. Truly, he was a soccer gentleman who let his talent do the talking.
His record over 15 years in a Benfica shirt is simply staggering. In all, he scored 727 goals in 715 matches. He has been named the ninth-best footballer of all time and played for Benfica until 1975. He finally ended his playing days with a spell in North America playing for Las Vegas Quicksilver and New Jersey Americans.
More recently, As Aguias (The Eagles) have been, by their standards, in decline. The famous old Estadio da Luz — once with a capacity of 120,000 — suffered from a lack of investment and, in 2002, was demolished to make way for a new one. The new stadium houses just over half the original number of fans, but is a dramatic and fitting home for one of Europe's most magical names.
Benfica's huge and worldwide fan-base has enjoyed many great players over the years. They in turn have repaid their club by being amongst the most loyal and fanatical supporters in the world. The last time I saw Benfica was in a group stage match in last year's Champions League at the San Siro, when they played away to AC Milan. Their supporters were loud, passionate, and many in number, despite it being a mid-week game in Italy. Highly impressive, to say the least.
They may never again match their Golden Era accomplishments, but those achievements have secured Benfica's name as one of the game's legendary squads.
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Article comments
1 - alessandro
Over one goal a game in soccer is a remarkable accomplishment.
Eusebio also led all scorers at the 1966 World Cup with nine. Portugal finished third after a 2-1 victory over the Soviet Union.
Great job. Always nice to read about history in sports.
2 - Che
just had to add that besides the King Eusébio, also played at Benfica players like Coluna(amazing midfielder),Aguas,Zé Augusto, Simoes , Germano ,Chalana,Humberto Coelho and manny others...
Like the Maestro Rui Costa that is now a days in charge of our footbal departement, and hopefully will guide us back to the place that BENFICA belongs!!
Great job Jeff
3 - Mario
What an article! Very very good. :)