Raymond Kopa's silver & enamel runners-up medal from the inaugural European Cup final in 1956, inscribed COUPE DES CHAMPIONS EUROPEENS, FINALISTE, 195

Raymond Kopa's silver & enamel runners-up medal from the inaugural European Cup final in 1956, inscribed COUPE DES CHAMPIONS EUROPEENS, FINALISTE, 1956 The first European Cup final was played between Stade de Reims and Real Madrid. Real Madrid won the game 4-3 to set up an eventual sequence of five consecutive European Cup victories, an achievement that has never been surpassed. This was Raymond Kopa's last match for Stade de Reims as the transfer to his team's conquerors Real Madrid had already been arranged. Raymond Kopa Lots 74 to 83 Born 13th October 1931, originally Raymond Kopaszewski, the French striker was an integral member of the national team in the 1950s and renowned as a great playmaker and goalscorer. He began his professional career at 17 with SCO Angers in the 2nd Division and d was transferred two years later to Stade de Reims with whom he won French championships in 1953 and 1955, and was a finalist in the first European Cup in 1956, losing to Real Madrid 4-3. He was transferred to Real Madrid the subsequent season, to form the great triumviate with Ference Puskas and Alfredo di Stefano, and where he won numerous Spanish and European titles. Kopa returned to France in the 1959-60 season to finish his career with Reims, where he won Championnats in 1960 and 1962. Kopa was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1958.