PUMA Eusébio Pantera Negra Kit Honors Football History

There is only one Eusébio, a name etched forever in football history as Portugal’s first European best player and the original PUMA KING. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of his 1965 Ballon d’Or victory, PUMA has unveiled a stunning special-edition kit. It honors his enduring legacy under the evocative banner “Pantera Negra”, The Black Panther.

A Design Rooted in Heritage, Strength, and Prestige

The Pantera Negra Kit bridges generations by blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design. Featuring a deep black base accented with gold detailing, the jersey captures both Eusébio’s iconic presence and Portugal’s proud football culture. Every detail was purposefully created to evoke strength, grace, and timeless excellence. This reflects much the player himself.

Limited to exactly 1,965 pieces, a nod to the year of Eusébio’s Ballon d’Or triumph, the Authentic kit proudly showcases his iconic #13 jersey number on both the front and back. It serves as a symbolic tribute to his lasting influence on the game.

Each piece includes:

A gold PUMA Cat logo and Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) crest, rendered in rich, metallic tones.
A high-quality flat-knit collar and cuffs add refinement to the overall silhouette.
A “Pantera Negra” inner neck print, serving as a hidden homage to the legendary Black Panther’s spirit.
A custom anthem jacket completes the collection with an elevated, contemporary touch.

Together, these elements merge power and poise, hallmarks of Eusébio’s game, into one unforgettable collector’s edition.

Honoring a Timeless Legend

The release of the Pantera Negra Kit stands as both a design achievement and a heartfelt tribute to one of football’s most influential figures.

Marco Mueller, Senior Director of Product Line Management Performance Apparel at PUMA, reflected:

“Eusébio’s legacy transcends generations, and this tribute kit reflects his enduring influence on Portuguese football and global sport. 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.”

Equally touched by the initiative, Flora Bruheim, Eusébio’s widow, shared her emotional response:

“When PUMA reached out and shared what they had in mind, I felt deeply moved and honored. Eusébio had a very close relationship with the brand and a sincere friendship with its founder, Mr. Rudolf Dassler. Seeing his memory honored in such a beautiful and meaningful way fills me with pride. I’m sure Eusébio would be very happy with this tribute.”

Adding to the celebration, João Medeiros Cardoso, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of the Portuguese Football Federation, highlighted the cultural importance of the project:

“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 while shaping the future of Portuguese football.”

Debut and Global Availability

The Portugal men’s national team will proudly debut the Pantera Negra kit in a one-time appearance on November 16th in Porto, during their match against Armenia.

Fans can secure the limited-edition PUMA Portugal Eusébio Special Edition Kit starting November 4th at puma.com and through select global retail partners. With only 1,965 units available, this collection is as rare and timeless as the legend it honors.

Legacy Meets Modern Innovation

More than a commemorative release, the Pantera Negra Kit embodies PUMA’s vision of linking football heritage with innovation. By seamlessly combining classic aesthetics with high-performance materials, PUMA pays homage to Eusébio’s pioneering spirit. It reflects the drive, dignity, and dominance that defined his era and continues to inspire today’s players.

This collaboration is not just a tribute; it is a reminder that greatness never fades. It evolves, inspiring future generations to chase their own legacy with the same heart, humility, and hunger that defined The Black Panther.