Real Madrid's iconic former striker Alfredo di Stefano was on Friday named as a 'sporting ambassador' of Argentina at a ceremony in the Spanish capital to honour his career.

"You're a great among greats, the history of football cannot be told without you," Argentine ambassador Carlos Bettini told the 83-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Bettini officially named him as a sporting ambassador for Argentina and handed him a plaque in honour of his life and career.

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

A two-time European Player of the Year, the Argentina-born forward nicknamed the 'Blond Arrow' played for Real from 1953 to 1963, scoring 418 goals in 510 games.

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.