# Alfredo Di Stéfano

> Argentine-Spanish association football player (1926–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q164546](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q164546)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfredo_Di_Stéfano)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alfredo-di-stefano

## Summary
Alfredo Di Stéfano was an Argentine-Spanish association football player (1926–2014) who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He is best known for his legendary career at Real Madrid, where he won multiple La Liga titles, the European Cup, and numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d'Or. His impact on football, both as a player and later as a coach, cemented his legacy as a global icon.

## Biography
- Born: July 4, 1926, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Nationality: Argentine, Spanish
- Education: Played football at a young age, with no formal education records available
- Known for: Revolutionizing football with his dribbling, speed, and goal-scoring ability
- Employer(s): River Plate (Argentina), Real Madrid (Spain), AC Milan (Italy)
- Field(s): Association football (soccer), football coaching

## Contributions
- **Real Madrid Legacy**: Won 7 La Liga titles, 3 European Cups, and 2 Intercontinental Cups with Real Madrid, setting records that remain unmatched.
- **Ballon d'Or**: Won the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 1957 and 1959, recognizing him as the world's best player.
- **Pichichi Trophy**: Won the top scorer award in La Liga multiple times, including in 1958, 1959, and 1960.
- **Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano**: Established in 2008 to honor the best La Liga footballer each season.
- **Coaching Career**: Managed Real Madrid, AC Milan, and the Spanish national team, contributing to their success.
- **Illustrious Citizen of Buenos Aires**: Awarded in 2014 for his contributions to football and culture.
- **UEFA President's Award**: Received in 1998 for his sportsmanship and leadership in football.

## FAQs
**What teams did Alfredo Di Stéfano play for?**
Di Stéfano played for River Plate in Argentina before moving to Real Madrid in Spain, where he spent the majority of his career. He later played for AC Milan in Italy.

**What awards did Alfredo Di Stéfano win?**
He won the Ballon d'Or in 1957 and 1959, the Pichichi Trophy multiple times, and was named Illustrious Citizen of Buenos Aires in 2014. He also received the UEFA President's Award in 1998.

**What records did Alfredo Di Stéfano set?**
He holds records for the most La Liga titles (7) and European Cups (3) with Real Madrid. He also won the Ballon d'Or twice and was the top scorer in La Liga multiple times.

**What is the Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano?**
It is an annual award given to the best La Liga footballer, established in 2008 to honor his legacy.

**Did Alfredo Di Stéfano coach any teams?**
Yes, he managed Real Madrid, AC Milan, and the Spanish national team, contributing to their success in multiple competitions.

## Why They Matter
Alfredo Di Stéfano revolutionized football with his dribbling, speed, and goal-scoring ability, inspiring generations of players. His success at Real Madrid and AC Milan elevated Spanish football to global prominence. As a coach, he mentored future legends, including Cristiano Ronaldo. His awards and records ensure his place in football history, and his legacy continues to influence the sport today.

## Notable For
- **Ballon d'Or Winner**: Won the prestigious award in 1957 and 1959.
- **Real Madrid Legend**: Holds records for most La Liga titles (7) and European Cups (3) with the club.
- **Pichichi Trophy Winner**: Won the top scorer award in La Liga multiple times.
- **Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano**: Established in 2008 to honor the best La Liga player.
- **Illustrious Citizen of Buenos Aires**: Awarded in 2014 for his contributions to football and culture.
- **UEFA President's Award**: Received in 1998 for his sportsmanship and leadership.
- **AC Milan Player**: Played for the Italian club, furthering his global impact.
- **Spanish National Team Coach**: Led the Spanish national team to success in multiple competitions.

## Body
### Early Life
Alfredo Di Stéfano was born on July 4, 1926, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He began playing football at a young age, showcasing his natural talent with River Plate in Argentina. His dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability quickly made him a standout player.

### Rise to Fame
Di Stéfano moved to Spain in 1953 to play for Real Madrid, where he became an instant sensation. His speed, technique, and ability to score crucial goals made him a fan favorite. He won his first La Liga title in 1954 and quickly became one of the most feared forwards in Europe.

### Real Madrid Dominance
At Real Madrid, Di Stéfano won 7 La Liga titles, 3 European Cups, and 2 Intercontinental Cups. He set records for the most goals in a single season and became the first player to win the Ballon d'Or twice. His partnership with Ferenc Puskás further elevated Real Madrid's success.

### International Career
Di Stéfano represented Argentina in the 1958 World Cup, where he scored a memorable goal against England. His performances earned him recognition as one of the best players in the tournament.

### Move to AC Milan
In 1961, Di Stéfano joined AC Milan, where he continued to excel. He won the European Cup with Milan in 1963, adding to his already impressive trophy collection. His time in Italy further solidified his reputation as a global football icon.

### Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Di Stéfano transitioned into coaching. He managed Real Madrid, AC Milan, and the Spanish national team, contributing to their success in multiple competitions. His coaching career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

### Legacy and Honors
Di Stéfano was honored with numerous awards, including the Ballon d'Or, the Pichichi Trophy, and the UEFA President's Award. He was named Illustrious Citizen of Buenos Aires in 2014 for his contributions to football and culture. His legacy continues to inspire players and coaches worldwide.

### Death and Tributes
Alfredo Di Stéfano passed away on July 7, 2014. His death was mourned by football fans and former teammates, who remembered him as one of the greatest players of all time. The Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano was established in his honor to celebrate the best La Liga player each season.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/s/stefano_alfredo.htm)
3. Transfermarkt
4. Find a Grave
5. [Source](https://www.espn.com.ar/nota?id=195680)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [Source](http://fr.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=174499/index.html)
9. BnF authorities
10. FBref
11. Argentine Soccer Database
12. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
13. Proleksis Encyclopedia
14. [Source](http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Di-stefano-est-decede/480752)
15. BDFutbol
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Encyclopédie Larousse
18. UEFA.com
19. BBC Things
20. The Movie Database