Portugal legend Eusebio passed away Sunday at the age of 71 (Yahoo Sports)
I admit to feeling old a lot of the time, but there are times when I feel too young as well, particularly when it comes to being a soccer fan. I say that because I never got to see so many of the legends of the game live, even on TV. This is a particularly sad case with legendary Portuguese attacker Eusebio, who played in his final games for the New Jersey Americans of the old ASL the year after I was born.
It's fitting that as I return to the blog to start 2014 that I pay tribute to this legend. But what do I say? I've never seen him play except on video clips. I could rehash and summarize the feelings of a million news stories and blogs from around the internet, but you've all read those if you care to.
I want to use the occasion of the passing of this great man as a reason to reflect on the heritage that the game of football, or soccer if you prefer, leaves us. Many sports have a long history. In the United States the history of baseball stretches back into the late 1800s. Ice Hockey has a distinguished lineage in Canada and the USA as well. However, in my opinion few sports leave us the rich international heritage that soccer gives us. It's easy for American boys like myself to think back on the legends of baseball from the same time period that Eusebio played football. I think Hank Aaron or Willie Mays. However, much of the rest of the world thinks back to players like Eusebio, players of the world's game. Players who helped define what that game is to us today. When you consider the worldwide reach of soccer and it's history, you realize the scope of it's power and that the greats like Eusebio will forever live on in the minds of a great many fans from all over the world, not just in the streets of Portugal or Mozambique.
As I've read about him, I've learned that he only stood 5'9, weighing in at a mere 160 during his career. Seeing pictures of him next to CR7 reinforces this fact. Still, he was a hugely gifted forward. He has been named as one of the top 10 players of all time and was known for deflecting credit from himself and being a truly humble human being. The New York Times said he "represented the best of soccer and of Portugal."
So as we enter this world cup year, take a few moments and read about this legend of the game. Find some video clips if you can. My guess is that during Brazil 2014, there will be more than a few reflections back to 1966, when Eusebio stole the stage from England for just a little while.
For more reading on Eusebio, hit up the NY Times Obit or Jerry Trecker's piece on FoxSoccer.com.
Eusebio's casket at midfield of Luz Stadium in Lisbon (BBC)
Eusebio statue covered in scarves outside Luz Stadium (Yahoo)
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