Eusebio, a name synonymous with unparalleled footballing brilliance, once bestowed a rare compliment upon a British legend, confidently naming him among the world’s finest players. This endorsement from such an iconic figure speaks volumes about the talent and impact of the player in question.

The ‘Black Panther’ himself, Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, carved out an illustrious career primarily with Benfica, where he secured an incredible 11 league titles and numerous other accolades. His individual achievements were equally monumental, being the first player to clinch the European Golden Boot, the World Cup Golden Boot, and the Champions League Golden Boot, alongside winning the Ballon d’Or in 1965 – a pioneering feat for a Portuguese footballer.

Despite his own prolific scoring record and individual honours, Eusebio was renowned for his graciousness and his willingness to acknowledge the greatness in his peers. He famously lauded Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano, describing him with the highest praise, a testament to his respect for the game’s elite talents.

It was former Celtic and Scotland winger Jimmy Johnstone who earned this esteemed recognition from Eusebio. The Portuguese maestro described Johnstone as “one of the best players in the world,” a powerful declaration given Eusebio’s own standing within the global football hierarchy.

Eusebio fondly recounted their final encounter before Johnstone’s passing in 2006, expressing the profound significance of being able to offer him a “last embrace.” He reiterated his conviction, stating that Johnstone was “without doubt not only one of the best players in Scotland but also in the world,” highlighting the deep respect and admiration he held for the Scottish winger.

Their paths crossed competitively on three occasions: twice during the 1969/70 European Cup Round of 16, where their respective clubs clashed, and once during the Euro 1972 qualifiers, representing their nations. These encounters undoubtedly provided Eusebio with direct insights into Johnstone’s exceptional skill and unwavering determination.

Jimmy Johnstone, affectionately known as ‘Jinky,’ was a cornerstone of Celtic’s domestic supremacy throughout the 1960s and 1970s. His mesmerizing dribbling and crucial contributions were instrumental in the club securing an astonishing nine First Division titles, culminating in their historic European Cup triumph in 1967, which marked the first time a British team had lifted the coveted trophy.

This high praise from Eusebio not only solidifies Jimmy Johnstone’s place among football’s all-time greats but also provides a poignant glimpse into the mutual respect shared between legends of the beautiful game, underscoring Johnstone’s undeniable impact and talent on the world stage.