Eusebio had one final wish: to take one final lap around the Estadio da Luz.
Thousands show up for Eusebio’s funeral, where final wish is granted
Farewell, Black Panther.
Peter King
On Monday, his wish was granted, as Benfica held his funeral at the stadium, where his casket was driven around the pitch in a hearse in front of more than 10,000 fans.
Eusebio's hearse completing its lap of honour around the stadium earlier today. Dozens of scarves were thrown. pic.twitter.com/odvWUTK7Dp
— Döminic Vieira (@dominicvieira) January 6, 2014 The lap around the stadium came after the hearse made its way through Lisbon, where people filled the streets and crowded around to pay their last respects to one of the greatest footballer's the world has ever seen. Born into abject poverty, Eusebio learned the game in Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique) before moving to Portugal. There, he joined up with Benfica, where he starred for 15 years.
By the time Eusebio's 22-year career ended, he had played for nine clubs and scored 733 goals in 745 matches. He won the Ballon d'Or, Bronze Ball at the 1966 World Cup, a European Cup, 11 Primeira Liga titles, five Taca de Portugal titles and was Europe's top goal scorer three times, while leading the Premiera Liga in goals a record seven times.
Labeled Africa’s first great footballer, Eusebio was a legend the world over. Today, he was laid to rest, but not before his final wish was granted -- a lap around the stadium and laying in state at center pitch. All while thousands of fans sang his name.
Eusébio's final wish is granted. His final Goodbye in the centre of pitch at Benfica's Estádio da Luz stadium pic.twitter.com/z9m6YxDoKn
— Tom Kundert (@Portu_Goal) January 6, 2014 Farewell, Black Panther.
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