Heartbreaking! Football World Mourns as Real Madrid Ballon d'Or Winning Player Dies (Photos)

Posted by Odinaka on Fri 03rd Mar, 2017 - tori.ng

Former Real Madrid and France midfielder, Raymond Kopa who won the Ballon d'Or and was rated as one of the best footballers of his generation, has died at the age of 85.

1958 Ballon d'Or winner Raymond Kopa is rated as one of the best footballers of his generation

Legendary footballer, Raymond Kopa, who was regarded as one of the finest footballers of his generation and was a key player in the Real Madrid side that dominated Europe throughout the late 1950s, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1958, has died aged 85.

According to Dailymail Sports, the French football federation has already paid tribute to the attacking midfielder who was also a star for the France national team and helped his country to third place at the 1958 World Cup.

Kopa with Cristiano Ronaldo during a ceremony celebrating Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or winners

In 1970, Kopa became the first footballer ever to be honoured with the Legion d'honneur - the highest civil merit awarded by the French government.

France Football Federation president, Noel Le Graet said in a statement: 'The death of Raymond Kopa plunges the Federation into immense sadness.

Kopa (left) played with Alfredo Di Stefano (centre) and Ferenc Puskas (right) at Real Madrid

'His is a terrible loss for French football. He was a symbol and a front runner. His career with his clubs as well as with France was exceptional.

'Everyone will remember his exploits that will remain unmatched. He was a player and a man of class. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.'

The current Real Madrid squad today, also paid tribute to their former player, as Zinedine Zidane's men gathered in a moment of silence to remember Kopa.