Alfredo Di Stéfano, Real Madrid, 1958 European Cup Winners' Medal 'Coupe Des Champions Européens' 1957-58 winners' gold medal presented to Alfredo di Stéfano of Real Madrid 18ct gold, the obverse with raised lettering 'COUPE DES CHAMPIONS EUROPEENS' above raised football and blue and red enamel flag, the loop stamped with assay marks of 'AC' with crossed swords, and eagle's head, the reverse inscribed 'VAINQUEUR 1958' on the reverse, with ring suspension, encapsulated by NGC and graded MS 63 16g, approx. 2 x 4cm Footnotes: 1958 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP MEDAL OF ALFREDO DI STEFANO: 'Saeta Rubia - The Blond Arrow', Real Madrid's greatest player, winner of five consecutive European cups and scorer in each final 1956-60. The European Cup of 1957-58 will always be remembered for the tragedy of the Munich air disaster that claimed so many lives, including those of 8 Manchester United players returning from their quarter-final match. The unfulfilled potential of Matt Busby's side contrasts with the greatness realised by the Real Madrid side of the 1950s led by their lynchpin and 'conductor' Alfredo Di Stéfano. Born and raised in Argentina, he came to Spain as a result of a ban after a series of political and organisational wrangles. This continued in Spain with his signing contested by both Madrid and Barcelona before an eventual agreement with Real Madrid in 1953. He helped them win the League for the first time in two decades in that same season, scoring a hat-trick in the deciding game. A consecutive Championship followed, unlocking the door to participation in the inaugural European competition. Di Stéfano and Real were to dominate this competition for the next five years with Di Stéfano arguably never better than in 1957-58. He was awarded the Ballon d'Or in December 1957 for his performances the previous season but was already well on his way to winning the Pichichi Trophy as top scorer in La Liga as well as scoring the most goals (ten) in the European Cup. Having conceded a goal to Milan in the final it was Di Stéfano who equalized before the Italians again took the lead. Madrid hit back only two minutes later with less than a quarter of an hour to go. Time ran out for both sides triggering extra time, and it was the Spaniards who prevailed with a goal in the 107th minute. Di Stéfano was several players rolled into one: an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder and a centre-forward. He has been described thus: '...arrogant and brilliant in equal measure. Even in the twilight of his career his stamina and ability to control games was breathtaking. Everything went through him. Everything.' His status was such that 'on the final day of the 1958-59 league season... Di Stéfano and Puskás were level on goals going into that match. In the decisive moment, Puskás rounded the opposition goalkeeper and instead of burying it in the empty net he passed to Di Stéfano , who scored. Puskás knew that for all his own genius, Di Stéfano was the boss at the Bernabeu.' The outstanding nature of his career has been retrospectively recognised again and again. He is the only player to have been awarded a Super Ballon d'Or in a special 1989 vote and was considered one of the top four players of the twentieth Century along with Pele, Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff. Provenance: Julien's, London, Property from the Estate of Alfredo di Stéfano, 23-24 September 2021, lot 330. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing