Remembering legendary striker Eusebio

Eusebio's statue outside Benfica's Estadio da Luz (Stadium of Light) in Lisbon became an impromptu monument on Sunday, as fans draped scarves and other memorabilia onto the striker's likeness. Eusebio spent the majority of his playing career with Benfica, scoring more than 300 goals for the side. His strike-rate was even more impressive, as he averaged just over one goal per game for Benfica.

Eusebio netted nine times at the 1966 World Cup, including a brace in this 3-1 group stage win over Brazil. It was his quarterfinal performance against North Korea, however, that went down in the history books. Trailing 3-0 at the break, Eusebio scored four in the second half as Portugal roared back to win 5-3. The "Black Panther" and friends couldn't overcome hosts England in the semifinal.

Eusebio was born in what is now Mozambique, where he grew up in abject poverty. When he was 18, Lisbon club Benfica brought him to Portugal. He played there for 15 exceedingly successful seasons. It was in the Portuguese capital that Eusebio died, at home, at the age of 71 early on Sunday (05.01.2014).

Eusebio celebrated more than a few triumphs while wearing the Benfica jersey, not least 11 domestic league titles. In continental competition, he scored the decisive goal during the 1962 European Cup final against Real Madrid. One year later, he again netted in the final against AC Milan (pictured), but Benfica ultimately lost the game.

In 1973, Eusebio received the European Golden Boot, an award presented annually to the season's most prolific scorer in club competition. He just pipped German international Gerd Müller - the 1972 winner known as der Bomber - to the award. The two prolific marksmen were both part of dominant club sides in domestic competition, Müller with Bayern Munich and Eusebio at Benfica.

Eusebio was venerated throughout Portugal and in his native Mozambique. The club at which he spent most of his career, Benfica, created a tournament named after him that takes place annually in August. At the most recent edition of the tournament, Eusebio was forced to hand over the trophy named after him to players from Sao Paulo, who defeated hosts Benfica 2-0.

The star striker was in good spirits during the Europa League Final in May 2013, when Benfica and Chelsea faced off. He's pictured here in the bleachers with UEFA President Michel Platini (center) and the former Dutch national team player Johan Cruyff. However, Eusebio faced serious health problems in recent years and had to be treated on multiple occasions for a lung infection.

Portugal's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is mourning an idol. In 2011, Ronaldo received the Golden Shoe from past winner Eusebio (pictured). "Always eternal, rest in peace," Ronaldo said on Twitter. "What a huge loss for us all," said former Portugual star Luis Figo. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said on Portuguese television that, even on the day of his death, he considered Eusebio "immortal."