Who Is Alfredo Di Stéfano? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 4, 1926, in Barracas, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Alfredo Di Stéfano was not just an exceptional footballer but a global icon in the sport. Known for his versatility on the pitch, Di Stéfano's career spanned several decades, leading him to become a pivotal figure in football history. By 2025, he would have been 98 years old. Although Di Stéfano passed away on July 7, 2014, his legacy continues to inspire millions of fans around the world. His Wikipedia page provides an extensive overview of his achievements, clubs played for, and awards received throughout his career.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1926 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Argentina |
| Date of death | 7 July, 2014 |
| Died Place | Madrid, Spain |
Popularity
Alfredo Di Stéfano's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his playing years, Alfredo Di Stéfano stood tall at 5 feet 10 inches (1.77 m) with a balanced athletic build that contributed to his impressive performance on the field. Weighing approximately 160 lbs (73 kg), he had the physicality coupled with agility that made him a formidable opponent. His measurements were indicative of an athlete dedicated to maintaining peak physical condition, which was a testament to his rigorous training regimen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Alfredo Di Stéfano was married to Magdalena Di Stéfano, with whom he shared a loving relationship for many years. Together they had five children, ensuring that Di Stéfano’s legacy carries on through his family. His dedication to his family remained paramount, and he often spoke of the importance of family values both on and off the field. Although his romantic life was relatively private, his long marriage showcased a strong partnership that lasted through the ups and downs of his celebrated career.
Born in Barracas, a neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Di Stéfano was the son of Alfredo Di Stéfano, a first-generation Italian Argentine (his father Michele emigrated to Argentina from Capri in the 19th century), and Eulalia Laulhé Gilmont, an Argentine woman of French and Irish descent with her relatives being from Swinford, County Mayo.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Alfredo Di Stéfano had an estimated net worth of $100 million. His wealth stemmed from both his illustrious playing career and various endorsement deals with major brands. He earned a substantial salary during his time at clubs like Real Madrid, where he played a crucial role in transforming the team into a dominant force in European football. His shrewd investments in real estate and his involvement in football-related businesses further bolstered his financial standing.
After the Superga air disaster, in May 1949, a friendly match between River Plate and Grande Torino was played and Di Stéfano was promised to the Granata.
However the Argentine forward was soon after contacted by Adolfo Pedernera, who had already agreed to terms with the Colombian Bogota-based club Millonarios on 9 August 1949, after another one of his teammates, Néstor Rossi, signed for the Colombian club without River Plate receiving any compensation for the transfer.
Di Stéfano signed with the Colombians. Millonarios, who could not afford to pay the transfer fees anyhow, offered him a salary clearly higher than that at River Plate, and the Argentine forward started a new chapter in his career in Colombia, in period called El Dorado.
Many international stars like the Hungarians Béla Sárosi, László Szőke, the Argentines René Pontoni, Héctor Rial, Englishman Charlie Mitten from Manchester United for 5,000 pounds a year, Neil Franklin from Stoke City, French-Hungarian Ferenc Nyers, Italian Luigi Di Franco, the Brazilian Heleno de Freitas and others had joined the league aft
er Pedernera first signed.
Career, Business and Investments
Di Stéfano's career began in Argentina with River Plate, but it reached unprecedented heights during his time at Real Madrid from 1953 to 1964. He scored an impressive 308 goals in 396 appearances, making him one of the club's top scorers. His impact on Madrid's success in the European Cup is undeniable, contributing to the club's legendary status.
Post-retirement, Di Stéfano stayed involved in football through coaching roles and various administrative positions. His business acumen led him to invest in sports academies, nurturing young talents. His strategic investments in football-related ventures continued to enhance his legacy.
Di Stéfano began his career at Argentina's River Plate aged 17, in 1943. For the 1946 season he was loaned to Club Atlético Huracán, but he returned to River in 1947. He won Copa America in 1947 with Argentina. Due to a footballers' strike in Argentina in 1949, Di Stéfano went to play for Millonarios of Bogotá in the Colombian league.
He won six league titles during the first 12 years of his career in Argentina and Colombia. Following his signing by Real Madrid he was an integral part of one of the most successful teams of all time.
He scored 216 league goals in 282 games for Real (then a club record, since surpassed by Raúl, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema), striking up a successful partnership with Ferenc Puskás. Di Stéfano's 49 goals in 58 matches was the all-time highest tally in the European Cup.
The record has since been surpassed by several players, including the aforementioned Real Madrid trio. Di Stéfano scored in five consecutive European Cup finals for Real Madrid between 1956 and 1960, including a hat-trick in the last.
Perhaps, the highlight of his time with the club was their 7–3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 final at Hampden Park, a game many consider to be the finest exhibition of club football ever witnessed in Europe. He moved to Espanyol in 1964 and played there until retiring at the age of 40.
Social Network
Although the social media landscape we know today did not exist during Alfredo Di Stéfano's life, his legacy is celebrated on various platforms. Fans and analysts continue to share highlights, tributes, and discussions about his remarkable career on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Additionally, the official pages of Real Madrid consistently honor his contributions, ensuring that new generations of football enthusiasts learn about his immense influence on the sport.
The league victory gave River Plate the right to represent Argentina in the Copa Aldao against the champions of Uruguay Nacional Montevideo who featured great player like goalkeeper Anibal Paz and Walter Taibo in a two-nation club competition that tracked origins to 1913 and for many it was considered the precursor to the Copa Libertadores.
In November 1947, River beat Nacional 4–3 with Di Stéfano scoring one goal in Montevideo, and four days later Di Stéfano celebrated his first international club trophy with a 3–1 victory in Buenos Aires.
Education
While specific details about Alfredo Di Stéfano’s formal education are limited, it is evident that his football education started at a young age. His upbringing in Argentina offered him the foundational skills that would eventually lead him to international acclaim. He continuously learned and adapted his game, which was mirrored in his coaching philosophy later in life.
In conclusion, Alfredo Di Stéfano’s impact transcends statistics and trophies. In 2025, his legacy remains palpable, inspiring not only future generations of footballers but also entrepreneurs and leaders across various fields.
