Legendary France and Real Madrid attacking midfielder Raymond Kopa has died at the age of 85.
Kopa won three consecutive European Cups with Real between 1957 and 1959, as well as two Spanish league titles.
He was the first Frenchman to be awarded the Ballon d’Or, finishing ahead of Germany’s Helmut Rahn and compatriot Just Fontaine in 1958.
Capped by France 45 times, he scored 18 goals for his country and reached the 1958 World Cup semi-finals.
The president of the French Football Federation, Noel le Graet, said: “The passing of Raymond Kopa plunges the federation into immense sadness.
“It’s a terrible loss for French football. Raymond Kopa is among the legends.
“Everyone has and will keep in their memory his exploits which will remain unequalled. He was a player and a man of unique class. I send my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Kopa joined Real in 1956, after losing to them with French side Reims in the European Cup final.
He returned to Reims in 1959 and stayed until his retirement in 1967.
Related Posts
Cristiano Ronaldo Wins The 2016 FIFA Best Player Of The Year Award! (photos)
Karim Benzema confirms he won’t participate in Europe 2016 due to $ex tape scandal
Portugal Will Be Hard To Beat In Euro 2016 Final – Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has already won the Ballon d’Or – Griezmann
Best Goalkeepers Of 2015/2016: Vincent Enyeama Makes World Top 10 List
The post Real Madrid Legend Raymond Kopa Dies At Age 85 appeared first on GL Trends.