In the earlier years of La Liga, Spanish clubs were only allowed three foreign players on the roster. While this rule seemed to be a roadblock to building the best starting 11, the leagues' top clubs began using a very effective and rather ingenious loophole:
Alfredo Di Stefano is without a doubt the greatest product of the loophole. Originally born in Argentina, and even winning a Copa America in 1947 with the country, Di Stefano would eventually become a nationalized Spanish citizen and join Real Madrid. Although not Spanish by birth, Di Stefano holds a significant place in Spanish soccer.
Lead by Di Stefano and fellow star forward Ferenc Puskás, Real Madrid dominated like no other soccer club in history ever has. During Di Stefano's tenure with the club from 1953-1964, Madrid won eight Liga titles and five consecutive European Championships (Champions League today).
