Media Release Date: 22/02/2010 Communiqué aux médias No. 012 Medien-Mitteilung

Michel Platini to present UEFA President’s Award to Eusébio

Award to be presented on 23 February in Lisbon

UEFA President Michel Platini is to travel to Lisbon ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Europa League Round of 32 return-leg match between SL Benfica and Hertha BSC Berlin to present the prestigious UEFA President’s Award 2009 to Eusébio, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to European football. The presentation will take place on Tuesday 23 February at 16:50 local time on the pitch at the Estádio da Luz. Interested media should contact Ricardo Sampaio Maia on Tel: +351 21 721 95 74.

The UEFA President’s Award was introduced in 1998 to acknowledge not only the achievements of an elite group of personalities in European football in a variety of domains, but also their professional excellence and human qualities.

When Michel Platini took office in 2007, he decided without hesitation to continue the tradition, albeit with a greater focus on the true protagonists, that is the players and the invaluable contribution that they through their careers, have made to the development and success of football in Europe and beyond.

On 18 February 2008, Michel Platini presented his first UEFA President’s Award to the Real Madrid CF legend Alfredo di Stéfano. On 29 April 2009, the UEFA President demonstrated his deep admiration for another ‘great among greats’, England’s Sir , bestowing upon him the second UEFA President’s Award.

Commenting on awarding the UEFA President’s Award 2009 to SL Benfica legend Eusébio, UEFA President Michel Platini, said:

“It is a great privilege for me to present the UEFA President’s Award to Eusébio, one of the all-time greatest goalscorers and ambassadors for the game of football.

“Eusébio is a giant in our sport, and the values such as self-abnegation, fair play and respect, conveyed throughout his successful career both on and off the pitch, have made him a fine example for future generations.”

Ahead of receiving the award, Eusébio said:

“It is a great honour for me to receive this award from the UEFA President in my stadium, in front of the SL Benfica supporters. All of the successes achieved throughout my career and contacts with the fans have made me aware of my responsibility to act as an example in the world of football. Even away from the pitch, I commit every day of my life to promoting the greatest sport on earth.”

Eusébio’s career saw him play for Sporting Lourenço Marques (1957-60), SL Benfica (1960-75) and for various American and Portuguese sides (1975-78). He made 64 appearances and scored 41 goals for Portugal. He was voted European Footballer of the Year in 1965, crowned FIFA World Cup Top Scorer with nine goals in 1966 and European Champion Clubs’ Cup (now UEFA Champions League) Top Scorer in 1966 and 1968. He also won the Golden Boot as the European domestic leagues’ leading scorer in 1968 and 1973. Eusébio won the European Champion Clubs’ Cup with SL Benfica in 1962, scoring twice in the final against Real Madrid CF, and scored 59 goals in 78 appearances in UEFA club competitions.

For further information: UEFA Media Services: +41 848 04 27 27