Mozambique may have a population of around 33 million, but the country punches far above its weight in football history. Its greatest son was once described as the finest player Africa has ever produced, while today's national side — the Mambas — count players active in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League among their ranks.

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira

Born in Lourenço Marques, now Maputo, in 1942, Eusébio joined Benfica from Sporting de Lourenço Marques in 1960 and proceeded to author one of the most remarkable careers in football history. He scored 473 goals in 440 official appearances for Benfica, claimed 11 Portuguese league titles, and was part of the side that lifted the 1962 European Cup. The Ballon d'Or followed in 1965. At the 1966 World Cup he finished as top scorer with nine goals, guiding Portugal to third place, and ended his international career with 41 goals from 64 caps. Two European Golden Boots — in 1968 and 1973 — stand as further testament to his extraordinary consistency.

Mário Coluna

Also born in Maputo, in 1935, Coluna earned the nickname