( CNN ) -- Portuguese football legend Eusebio is in a stable condition after being admitted to hospital with bronchial pneumonia on Wednesday , his former club Benfica reported . The 69-year-old , known affectionately as the `` Black Panther '' and one of the most talented players of his generation , is being kept at the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon as the illness has affected both lungs . `` He spent the night as well , and he is stable . From the clinical point of view ( his condition ) is stationary , '' the hospital 's medical director Jose Roquette told reporters in quotes carried by Benfica 's website . `` There was no significant improvement in inflammatory parameters , analytical or radiological findings . So we continue with appropriate therapy and we hope this is resolved quickly . '' Roquette said Eusebio , who was the top scorer at the 1966 World Cup when Portugal finished third , would likely remain in hospital over the festive period after coming out of intensive care . `` This is not a situation that one can guarantee how long will it take to evolution , but admit it will take some time . We will give more information in due course . Most likely it will extend beyond Christmas , `` he said . Roquette said Eusebio 's wife and daughters had come to the hospital , but other visitors had been restricted . In 2007 , he had surgery to unblock arteries which carry blood to the brain . Eusebio played for three North American Soccer League teams in the twilight of his career , but is best known for his exploits in 15 years at Benfica where he scored 638 goals in 614 appearances up until 1975 . `` We wish a speedy recovery to Eusebio and also to express that the whole Portuguese football family is behind him , '' the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement . `` Eusebio is a symbol of Portuguese football . It will take a lot of strength to overcome this difficulty , but he has honored Portugal for many years with his distinguished presence , including as ambassador of the national team . '' Born in Mozambique , which was then a Portuguese territory , he scored 41 goals in 64 appearances for his adopted country . At the 1966 World Cup he scored two goals as Portugal eliminated defending champions Brazil at the group stage , then netted four times in an incredible quarterfinal comeback against North Korea as his side rallied from 3-0 down to win 5-3 in one of the tournament 's most famous matches . Eusebio scored again in the semifinal against England , but the hosts won 2-1 before beating Germany in the final .
Eusebio in intensive care after being admitted to the Hospital with pneumonia . Hospital 's medical staff and football team will remain there over festive period . The century - old former Benfica star was one of the most talented players of his generation . His home nation 's football federation hails him as a symbol of Portuguese football .