Working in the coal mines of Nœux-les-Mines at age 14, Raymond Kopa lost a finger in a mining accident before his professional football career began. Born to Polish immigrant parents in 1931, he adopted his shortened surname during school years and eventually gained French citizenship in 1952, rising to become a central figure in international association football.
Early Career and Reims
After placing second in the 1949 French national youth football trials, Kopa signed with Angers in Ligue 2 at 17. He transferred to Reims two years later, securing French championships in 1953 and 1955. His performance in a 1953 Latin Cup victory against Milan and his team's reach to the 1956 European Cup Final established his professional standing.
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Following a match in Madrid in 1955, where local media dubbed him Little Napoleon, he transferred to Real Madrid for the 1956–57 season. Playing alongside Ferenc Puskás, he achieved Spanish league titles in 1957 and 1958. During his time in Spain, he earned three successive European Cup victories between 1957 and 1959, including a win against his former club, Reims.
International Recognition and Later Years
Between 1952 and 1962, Kopa scored 18 goals in 45 matches for France, leading the team to a third-place finish in the 1958 FIFA World Cup. He received the Ballon d'Or in 1958. After retiring from professional play, he established a sportswear brand. He died in Angers in 2017 and is buried at the Cimetière de l'Ouest d'Angers.
Fast facts
- Born: 1931, Nœux-les-Mines
- Died: 2017, Angers
- Citizenship: Poland and France
- Ballon d'Or: 1958
- Knight of the Legion of Honour: 1970
- Officer of the Legion of Honour: 2007
- UEFA President's Award: 2010
Questions readers ask
What was Raymond Kopa's original surname?
His original surname was Kopaszewski.
When did Kopa receive the Legion of Honour?
He was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1970 and an Officer of the Legion of Honour in 2007.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 2007
- Ballon d'Or
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1970
- Worked as association football player
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