During his lifetime, the Argentine-born legend was recognized with two Ballon d’Ors – in 1957 and 1959 before becoming the only football personality to receive the Super Ballon d’Or by France Football in 1989.
With 308 goals in 396 appearances for Los Blancos, he currently ranks as the club’s second highest goalscorer. In 2000, Di Stefano was named honorary president by Florentino Perez.
On Saturday, the Real Madrid icon suffered an 18-minute cardiac arrest and fell into coma. He was then said to be in a critical but stable condition but eventually succumbed to death on Monday. A statement on Real Madrid’s official website read:
“Real Madrid C. F. regrets to announce that its Honorary President, Alfredo Di Stéfano, passed away today at 17:15 in the General Universitario Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid.
“The President of Real Madrid C. F., Florentino Pérez, and the club’s Board of Directors would like to express their deepest sympathy and affection to his children, family and friends.”
A day before his cardiac arrest, the Galacticos celebrated their ambassador's birthday with this video:
Alfredo di Stefano’s trophy count as a player:
- European Cups: 5
- Intercontinental Cup: 1
- Latin Cups: 2
- Small World Cup: 1
- La Liga: 8
- Spanish Cup: 1
- Pichichi Trophy: 5
Alfredo di Stefano: top facts & reactions following his death
Alfredo Di Stéfano played with 3 different national teams during his career: 6 times with #ARG, twice with #COL & 31 times with #ESP.
— FootballFacts101 (@FootballFact101) July 7, 2014
Arsenal FC sends its deepest sympathy to the family of @RealMadrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, who has sadly died #EternoAlfredo
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 7, 2014
We're sad to hear @RealMadrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano has passed away. The thoughts of everybody at #mufc are with his family & the club.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 7, 2014
RIP Alfredo di Stéfano. One of the greatest has passed away. My condolences to his family and friends.
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) July 7, 2014
RIP Alfredo Di Stéfano. On the Mount Rushmore of men's soccer greats.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) July 7, 2014
It’s a very sad day. For me, for all the madridistas, for the world of football. #EternoAlfredo pic.twitter.com/VKRbSmO61s
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 7, 2014
Don Alfredo leaves us, but his memory will last forever in our hearts. Legends never die. Thanks for everything Maestro. #EternoAlfredo
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 7, 2014
In the season that Di Stefano came to Real Madrid, he scored 2 goals in his first ever Clasico as RM defeated Barcelona 5-0. #EternoAlfredo
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) July 7, 2014
Even though Di Stefano came to Spain when he was 28 years old, he's still the 5th all-time top scorer in La Liga's history. #EternoAlfredo
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) July 7, 2014
FC Barcelona expresses its condolences for the death of Alfredo Di Stéfano, honorary president of Real Madrid. Rest in peace
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 7, 2014
"The world lost a legend, Don Alfredo Di Stéfano. An amazing man on and off the field. My thoughts are with his family & friends." Leo Messi
— Lionel Messi (@messi10stats) July 7, 2014
Infographic of a legend, Alfredo di Stefano:
