His grand-parents emigrated from Poland to Germany, before his parents moved on to France after the First World War.
Kopa worked on the coal mines and, at the age of 14, lost a finger.
At 17, he joined French second-tier side, Angiers, before moving on to Stade de Reims two years later.
He became national champion in 1953 and 1955 — and the latter meant his side would compete in the inaugural European Cup.
Real Madrid’s stellar attack of Raymond Kopa, Rial, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas and Gento pose before La Liga match in June, 1959Getty Images
Most Read
AND HE'S WON IT
Ander Herrera bags player of the year award at Man United's lavish end of season bash hosted by Rachel Riley
'NOT A COACH'
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag... and Arsenal blocked me returning FOUR times
FAB DAY OUT
Amazing trio of Wags step out for launch of designer shoe shop... but who are their famous partners?
JUDGMENT DAY
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'set to jet into London' to discuss Arsene Wenger's future
'i felt embarrassed for the club'
Arsenal legend Tony Adams on his shock at 'disrespectful' final contract offer
'do something about your wife'
Sexy footie WAG in hot water after posing bizarre picture of herself on the LOO
Two Games left lads!
Chelsea stars given midweek break by Antonio Conte after title heroics... but they've still got the FA Cup final to go
dive bar
Premier League divers will be BANNED by the FA from next season after chiefs vote in support of rule shake-up
Feeling Bleus
Didier Deschamps blasts Martial's confidence as he snubs winger for France's clash with England
power serg
Sergio Romero set to be Man Utd number one next season if David De Gea moves to Real Madrid
Blues in Aub-it
Chelsea want Borussia Dortmund's 37-goal hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to replace Diego Costa
LONDON CALLING
Crystal Palace eye double raid for Man City's out-of contract full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy
UNITED FRONT
Fergie tapped me up twice but I turned Manchester United down because I was Arsenal through and through, says Tony Adams
SIX OF THE BEST
Leicester 1 Tottenham 6: Harry Kane hits four to become leading scorer in Premier League as Spurs rout Foxes at King Power Stadium
United offered Silva platter
Man United target and Monaco's £70m ace Bernardo Silva issues come-get-me plea
Dier Straits
Tottenham shaken as Eric Dier wants to leave along with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose... as both Manchester clubs prepare to swoop for Spurs stars
WRIGHT'S RULES
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger changed time of training to suit Ian Wright because he hated confrontation
Taking the Siss
Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan all linked with shock move for Tottenham flop Moussa Sissoko
MACHETE NO MATCH
Tony Adams tells how Ray Parlour decked man who attacked him with a machete in Hong Kong brawl
Al For One
Alexis Sanchez will not sign new Arsenal contract if Arsene Wenger's side do not make Champions League
French footballing legends Raymond Kopa and a young Michel Platini in 1978Getty ImagesReal Madrid players observe minutes silence following the death of Raymond KopaEPA
They reached the final, but were beaten 4-3 by a Real Madrid side containing Alfredo Di Stefano.
Kopa impressed the Spanish giants with his performances, and joined Los Blancos that summer and earned the nickname ‘Little Napoleon’.
He signed alongside Ferenc Puskas to create one of the greatest attacking forces in football history.
Raymond Kopa next to Michael Owen as Cristiano Ronaldo picks up Ballon d’OrGetty ImagesRaymond Kopa in January, during Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or receptionGetty Images
Real Madrid beat Fiorentina in the final to retain their European Cup crown in 1957 — and Kopa became the first French player to win the trophy.
In 1958, he enjoyed the most stellar year of his career.
Real Madrid were again European champions, after they beat AC Milan, and he helped France to a third-place finish in the World Cup.
Raymond Kopa and Alfredo Di Stefano hand Luis Figo his Ballon d’Or in 2000Getty Images
Raymond Kopa shows off his skills with kick-ups while in action for FranceGetty Images
While he also won his second consecutive league title in Spain.
All this culminated in the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
In 1959, he helped Real Madrid beat his old club to make it four European Cup victories on the spin, before returning to Stade de Reims that summer.
Raymond Kopa in action for France in 1961Getty Images
And he added another two league titles.
In January, he was well enough to attend the presentation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth Ballon d’Or award.
Real Madrid issued a statement lamenting the loss of a “great star” and offered commiserations to his family.
“He was a player of exquisite technical gifts,” the statement said.
“The Frenchman remains one of the great stars of his epoch.”
French president Francois Hollande said in a statement: “Raymond Kopa was a legend of French football… and was one of France’s most admired sportsmen.”
Leave a comment