The best of two worlds
Eusébio and Ronaldo. Two number 1s of the world. Two men, two players, two celebrities, two national heroes. The brightest stars of the national football constellation. The results, their achievements in the field...and in the media. These are two players who have marked the different media milieus in which they lived
A Mozambique native and a Madeira native who arrived in Lisbon on their own to go down in football history.
They are separated by four decades – and an unprecedented revolution in the dissemination of information.
Eusébio was born in 1942 in Mozambique. His first club is Sporting of Lourenço Marques.
Cristiano Ronaldo was born in 1985 in Funchal. His first club is Andorinha.
In 1960 Eusébio makes his Benfica debut, where he stays until 1975.
In 1997 Cristiano Ronaldo makes his Sporting debut, where he stays until 2003.
Eusébio stands out in the final of the 1962 European Cup, against Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo stands out in the inauguration of the Alvalade XXI stadium in 2003, in a match against Manchester United. Months later he is transferred to the English club.
Eusébio takes Benfica across borders when the club wins the 1961-1962 UEFA European Cup.
Cristiano won a Champions League with Manchester in 2007-2008 and a Champions League with Real Madrid in 2013-2014.
Eusébio spends most of his career in Benfica. Retires in 1980, while playing for Buffalo Stallions.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves England for Real Madrid in 2009, in the most expensive transfer until then.
Eusébio won 1 Ballon d'Or, 2 European Golden Shoes and 7 Silver Balls.
Up until now, Cristiano won 3 Ballon d'Or and 2 European Golden Shoes.
For the National Team, Eusébio’s tears became famous, when Portugal lost the 1966 World Cup semi-finals against England.
For the National Team, Cristiano’s tears became famous, when Portugal lost the 2004 UEFA Euro final against Greece.
Both were outstanding during those competitions, leading the Portuguese to believe in the final victory.
Eusébio was a true star at that time.
Ronaldo strengthens his celebrity statute.
Eusébio’s personal career was monitored closely. His marriage to Flora Claudina Burheim was the first footballer’s wedding to appear on television.
Cristiano’s personal life is the subject of scrutiny – with particular emphasis on his love and familiar life.
His life and career were told through different formats.
Ronaldo stands out more in pop culture references.
Eusébio’s funeral was followed covered by long live TV broadcasts.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s name becomes a brand and named clothes, shoes and perfumes. He opens the CR7 Museum in his home town.
Eusebio, in his peak, was promoted as a national symbol by Estado Novo.
Ronaldo, still in activity, lives in the global media age and is followed all across the world.