January 25th

JANUARY 25

Perhaps a date etched in many Benfiquistas' minds. The date is synonymous with 2 opposite poles of emotions for Benfiquistas. On one side, the birthdate of Benfica's most Iconic player, Eusebio.
On the other end, the date in which Miklos Feher passed during a Benfica game.

Undoubtedly the best Portuguese player of all time, Eusebio is a name that in itself is Benfica. Eusebio is known throughout the world has one of the best players of his era, helping Portugal reach the semifinals of a World Cup for the first time in 66.



His resume includes:
1 European Championship 61/62
2 European Championship finals 62/63,64/65, and 67/68
11 National titles
5 Portuguese Cups

As you all know, the man needs no introduction, he is the Best there ever was to put on a Benfica jersey.

I had a chance to have lunch with this legend back in 95. In one of his many trips to the North American continent, Eusebio had a layover in Newark from Massachusetts and me and a friend of mine, with connections to Benfica, picked him up at the airport and brought him to the ironbound section of Newark, we had lunch at El Pastor, a well known Portuguese restaurant. I must tell you that you can't meet a nicer person, down to earth and open, always willing to talk Benfica. I stood in awe of his presence at first but his personality quickly put me at ease. When it came time to pay the Restaurant's owner refused to bring the bill, bringing only a few plates for the "Panther" to sign. That is probably a memory i will cherish for the rest of my life, and while i never had a chance to see him play live, his presence alone was enough to make me realize who he is, and what he has accomplished, as he is a living legend.

On this date he reaches his 66th birthday, I want to send out a birthday wish to Eusebio, and wishes of seeing him reaching many more in the eyes of all Benfiquistas.


Also on this date, perhaps on of the saddest days for Benfica as a club, the death of Miklos Feher.
Miklos died on the field 4 years ago. Coincidentally in a game against Guimaraes(Benfica's next adversary), with Camacho at the helm. It was a loss that shook up the Benfica nation, and the whole country. Benfica has since then retired "Mikis" 29 jersey. 4 years later and you can still see a banner in the stadium with the Hungarians name and/or number.
Rest in Peace Miki, gone but never forgotten.