Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano has been named 'sporting ambassador' of Argentina on Friday.

According to FIFA.com, the Real icon was given the honour by Argetine amabassador Carlos Bettini in a ceremony at the Spanish capital on Friday.

"You're a great among greats, the history of football cannot be told without you," Bettini told the 83-year-old..

"I have always been a team player," Di Stefano, Real's honorary president, told the ceremony at the Argentine embassy.

He was later awarded a plaque in honour of his life and career.

Di Stefano distingushed career included winning the European Player of the Year title twice, and scoring 418 goals in 510 games for Real Madrid.

Last year he was named the best player in Real Madrid's history in an online poll.

Friday's ceremony came on the eve of a friendly match between Spain and Argentina in Madrid to mark the centenary of the Spanish Football Federation.