The CNID Footballer of the Year was an annual award given to the player who was adjudged to have been the best of the year in Primeira Liga. Between 1970 and 2005, this award was given to a Portuguese footballer playing in a foreign country or any player in Portuguese first League. Since 2006, this award only distinguished the best footballers to play in the Portuguese first League, so was called Primeira Liga Footballer of the Year, and the winner is chosen by a vote amongst the members of the Sports National Press Club (CNID).

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, nicknamed the "Black Panther", the "Black Pearl" or "O Rei", was a Portuguese footballer who played as a striker. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time as well as Benfica's best player ever. He was known for his speed, technique, athleticism and right-footed shot, making him a prolific goalscorer, accumulating 733 goals in 745 matches.