PUMA and the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) are set to honour of the country’s most legendary players with a special one-game-only tribute kit to be worn later this month.
The FPF and the German manufacturer launched the kit on Tuesday, November 4. It honours Eusébio, one of the most prolific scorers of his generation for both club and country. The jersey is inspired by one of Eusébio’s many nicknames, Pantera Negra (the Black Panther), and was released in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of him winning the 1965 Ballon d’Or.
The base of the kit is black with a tonal pattern of Portuguese coats of arms woven into the fabric. The PUMA logo and the national team crest on the chest are both rendered in monochromatic metallic gold. Numbers on the front and back are also gold and set in the same font as Portugal uses on its current home and away jerseys.
Both the collar and the sleeve cuffs have a pattern of alternating red and green blocks — colours taken from the Portuguese flag — with a gold pinstripe running through the middle. “PANTERA NEGRA” is printed in gold on the back collar, and a commemorative jock tag appears on the left front hem.
“Eusébio’s legacy transcends generations, and this tribute kit reflects his enduring influence on Portuguese football and global sport,” said. “By merging heritage-inspired design with modern innovation, we’re celebrating not only a football legend but also the culture and passion that make the game timeless.”
— Marco Mueller, Senior Director of Product Line Management Performance Apparel, PUMA
Eusébio — who was also known by the nickname O Rei (The King) — scored 41 goals in 64 games with the Portuguese national team and helped them finish in third place at the 1966 World Cup. He spent the vast majority of his club football career with Portuguese side Benfica SL, averaging more than a goal per game for the team between 1961 and 1975 (317 goals in 301 appearances) and winning 11 Primeira Liga titles.
He also partnered with PUMA in the 1960s, collaborating on the iconic PUMA King boot.
“Eusébio represents passion, talent, and pride for Portugal. Sixty years after his Ballon d’Or win, his legacy remains alive, inspiring not only those who knew his greatness but also future generations of Portuguese players. The Portuguese Football Federation, in partnership with PUMA, celebrates this legend with a unique kit that blends tradition and innovation, honoring the past and shaping the future of Portuguese football.”
— João Medeiros Cardoso, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, FPF
Eusébio passed away in 2014 at the age of 71. But PUMA reached out to his widow, Flora Bruheim, and made sure she was consulted throughout the kit development process.
“When PUMA reached out to us and shared what they had in mind, I felt deeply moved and honored,” she said. “Eusébio had a very close relationship with the brand and a sincere friendship with its founder, Mr. Rudolf Dassler. Seeing his memory now honored in such a beautiful and meaningful project fills me with pride. I’m sure Eusébio would be very happy with this tribute.”
The Portuguese men’s national team will wear the black tribute kits for only one match, a UEFA World Cup qualifying match against Armenia on Sunday, November 16, in Porto. A total of 1,965 authentic versions will be available for fans to purchase, each with Eusébio’s number 13 emblazoned on the front and back.
