Who is Alfredo Di Stéfano? Many have been keen to know more about the Real Madrid legend who won the first and only Super Ballon d’Or.
The legendary striker’s name has risen in the footballing world once again amid rumours that Lionel Messi could become just the second winner of the extremely rare Super Ballon d’Or.
So, who is Di Stéfano? Let’s take a look…
Who is Alfredo Di Stéfano?
Well, the Buenos Aires-born Real Madrid legend sadly passed away back in July 2014 at the age of 88, but he left a legacy in football which nobody has matched since by winning the prestigious Super Ballon d’Or.
Di Stéfano received the rare prize from France Football after playing a crucial role in Real Madrid winning the first five consecutive European Cups back in the 1950s, scoring goals in each of the finals.
The Blond Arrow – as he was nicknamed – scored 308 goals in 396 appearances for Los Blancos, according to Spanish news outlet AS.
During his prolific period in the 1950s, Di Stéfano also won the normal Ballon d’Or on two occasions, before he was presented with the prestigious Super Ballon d’Or in 1989, given to the best player of the past three decades.
Throughout his time at Real Madrid, the Argentine – who later went on to receive Spanish citizenship and play for Spain – won five European Cups in a row, one Intercontinental Cup, two Copa Latinas, eight La Liga titles, one Copa de España and a Small Club World Cup.
Super Ballon d’Or winners list
Di Stefano remains the first and only winner of the Super Ballon d’Or – you can see a photo of the award below.
However, after finally winning the World Cup with Argentina, Messi is being heavily tipped to become just the second recipient in history.
Super Ballon d’Or meaning
The Super Ballon d’Or was given out as an honorary award by France Football back in 1989 to recognise Di Stéfano’s incredible achievements in football, after he surpassed Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini in France Football’s voting.
At the time, it was only for European players, which would have ruled the Real Madrid legend out as he was born in Argentina, although his Spanish citizenship meant he was eligible to receive the award.
Alfredo Di Stéfano profile
Full name: Alfredo Stéfano Di Stéfano Laulhé
Age: 88
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Date of birth: 4th July 1926
Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Date of death: 7th July 2014
Place of death: Madrid, Spain
Clubs played for: River Plate, Huracán, Millonarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol
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