The Spanish Federation lifted the ban on foreign player transfers[1] allowing chairman Santiago Bernabéu to buy French playmaker Raymond Kopa from Stade de Reims[2] to boost the midfield as a winger,[3] in fact the trade was released days before the 1956 European Cup Final against the same French squad.

Due to the rule of limited foreigners Kopa could not feature until October, when Di Stefano became a Spanish citizen.

However, chairman Santiago Bernabéu, also an organizer of the competition, allowed their entry as holders; the squad won its second consecutive European Cup in a close final against Italian team Fiorentina.

[5] The team closed a superb season clinching its second Latin Cup, winning the final against Portuguese side Benfica.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.