Raymond Kopa

Raymond Kopa was a French footballer and creative playmaker who rose from Stade de Reims to become a key figure in Real Madrid’s dominant 1950s side. He won three consecutive European Cups with Madrid from 1957 to 1959 and helped France finish third at the 1958 World Cup, where he was named the tournament’s best player. Kopa also won the 1958 Ballon d’Or and later received UEFA’s President’s Award for his contribution to European football.