#memory
Alfredo di Stefano.
7 July is the death anniversary of one of the greatest footballers of all time, Alfredo di Stefano (1926-2014).
Stephano is the only International football player who played for three Nations, Argentina, Columbia and Spain. Ironically he could never play in the World Cup since in his prime, Argentina refused to participate and later Spain didn’t qualify.
The greatest exploits of de Stephano was for the Spanish Club, Real Madrid. He formed a deadly combination with the legendary Ferenc Puskas, winning 18 championships and scoring 308 goals. Almost all the goal scoring records of the 50s and 60s stood in his name. He is the only player to win the Super Ballon d’ Or.
di Stefano became a legend outside the world of sports also, when he was kidnapped by Columbian rebels and later released. The incident became the subject of numerous books and a film.
He had a brilliant coaching career after retirement with clubs including Valencia and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid honoured its great sporting hero by naming its stadium, Alberto di Stefano Stadium.
– Joy Kallivayalil.
