He spent most of his career with Benfica, appearing in 525 official matches and scoring 127 goals over 16 professional seasons. Dubbed O Monstro Sagrado (The Sacred Monster), he won 19 major titles with his main club, including ten Primeira Liga and two European Cups.[2]
Coluna represented Portugal at the 1966 World Cup and earned a total of 57 caps.[3] He was considered one of the best midfielders of his generation, also being viewed as one of the most talented Portuguese players of all time.[4]
Coluna scored in both European Cup finals won by Benfica: in 1961, he beat FC Barcelona's Antoni Ramallets from long range in a 3–2 win in Bern. The following year, against fellow Spaniards Real Madrid, he netted the 3–3 equaliser and, subsequently, was supposed to take the penalty that resulted in the 4–3 lead (eventual 5–3 victory), when youngster Eusébio politely asked if he could shoot it instead.[4][8]
Coluna captained the Magriços in all except one of the matches during the third-place campaign at the 1966 World Cup in England.[4][10]
Style of play
Coluna was noted for his leadership skills, calm demeanor and respectful conduct, as well as his vision and reading of the game, passing range and powerful long shots.[11][2]
Post-retirement and death
After Mozambique became independent in 1975, Coluna held the post of President of its Football Federation. He also served as the country's Minister of Sports, from 1994 to 1999.[12]
Coluna died on 25 February 2014 at the age of 78 in Maputo, after not being able to overcome a pulmonary infection.[13]
^"Bicampeões para a história" [Back-to-back champions for the ages]. Visão (in Portuguese). Portugal: Impresa Publishing. May 2015. p. 45. ISSN0872-3540.