Eusebio Named His Pick For ‘Most Complete Footballer in History’

Portugal icon Eusebio is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, having enjoyed a highly successful career decorated by goals, silverware and a plethora of individual honours.

Eusebio rose to prominence at Benfica, where he scored over 470 career goals and helped the club win 11 league titles and the European Cup in 1962, while also claiming the Ballon d’Or in 1965.

Known for his speed, technique and athleticism, Eusebio was one of the most complete footballers of his generation, whose influence transcended generations and left a lasting mark in Portuguese football history.

However, when once asked to name a player he considers the most complete footballer in history, Eusebio refused to pick himself and instead named a Real Madrid icon, praising him as his ‘hero’.

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Eusebio Praises Alfredo Di Stefano

Eusebio once praised former Real Madrid striker Alfredo Di Stefano as ‘the most complete footballer in history’ and said the former Spain international was his ‘hero’:

Eusebio also pointed out that Di Stefano ‘had it all’ – he was quick, agile, energetic and, above all, a top-class finisher:

While the two strikers did not have an extended rivalry, Eusebio’s Benfica and Di Stefano’s Real Madrid met in the 1962 European Cup final in Amsterdam.

The Portuguese club triumphed 5-3, with Eusebio scoring twice in the second half to overturn a 2-3 deficit, while Di Stefano and Hungarian icon Ferenc Puskas were both on the scoresheet for Real.

The match symbolised a generational shift between the two strikers – while Eusebio was just 20 years old and starting to solidify his place as one of the best strikers in Europe, Di Stefano was nearing the end of his playing days at 35.

Di Stefano began his career in Argentina before moving to Real Madrid in 1953, where he became the driving force behind their dominance in the 1950s and 1960s.

He led Los Blancos to five consecutive European Cups from 1956 to 1960, as well as eight La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey in 1961/62.

Di Stefano also collected numerous individual honours, including the Ballon d’Or in 1957 and 1959, and remains the only player in history to receive the Super Ballon d’Or.

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Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 07-07-25.