Alfredo Di Stefano

Alfredo di Stefano Laulhe is a former Argentina-Spanish football player and coach who used to feature prominently during the 1950s and 1960s. He played as a striker and won the European Cup with Real Madrid between 1956 and 1960. Di Stefano is regarded as one of the best ever footballers and was named by Pele in March 2004 as one of the 125 greatest living footballers. Di Stefano was known as the Blond Arroe

Alfredo di Stefano was known as a versatile forward who possessed the ability to play anywhere across the pitch. He had great stamina, tactical sense and vision. He is currently the third highest galscorer in the history of the Spanish top flight with 228 goals in 329 league matches. He is also Real Madrid’s highest league goalscorer of all time with 216 goals in 282 league matches.

Alfredo di Stefano was born in a family of Italian immigrants. He commenced his professional club career at Argentine powerhouse River Plate in 1943 and played for them until 1949, when he went to play for Colombiab club Millonarios of Bogota. He won a total of six league titles in his time in Argentina and Colombia.

In 1953 Di Stefano was signed by Real Madrid under controversial circumstances after initially their archrivals FC Barcelona. Di Stefano went onto become one of the best players ever. At Real, he played alongside legends such as Ferenc Puskas and Gento and won five successive European Cup titles with Real between 1956 and 1960. He was the European Footballer of the Year in 1957 and 1959.

In 1964 Alfredo di Stefano was signed by Espanyol and played for them until 1996 when he decided to retire.

Alfredo di Stefano played for three different national sides. He featured for Argentina in 1947, played for Colombia in 1949 and played for Spain between 1957 and 1961.

Alfredo di Stefano moved into management after retiring from playing. He won the league title in Argentina with Boca Juniors and River Plate and won La Liga, Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners’ Cup with Valencia. He also managed Sporting Clube de Portugal and Real Madrid.

Alfredo di Stefano was named the President of Honour of Real Madrid on November 5,2000.