Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈfɛrɛnt͡s ˈpuʃkaːʃ]; 2 April 1927 – 17 November 2006), nicknamed "The Galloping Major", was a Hungarian professional footballer, manager, and coach who played as a forward. He scored 84 goals in 85 international matches for Hungary, making him the country's top goalscorer and one of the highest scorers for any European national team. He also played for Budapest Honvéd, Real Madrid, and Vasas.
Puskás was born in Budapest, Hungary, and began his career with Budapest Honvéd in 1943. He quickly established himself as one of the world's best players, helping Honvéd win five Hungarian League championships and three Hungarian Cups. He also led Hungary to the gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics and the final of the 1954 FIFA World Cup, where he scored four goals in the 6–3 defeat to West Germany.
In 1956, Puskás defected to Spain during the Hungarian Revolution and joined Real Madrid. He spent eight seasons with Real Madrid, winning five La Liga titles and three European Cups. He also helped Real Madrid win the Intercontinental Cup in 1960.
Puskás retired from playing in 1967 and began a coaching career. He managed several clubs in Spain, Greece, and Chile, and also served as the manager of the Hungarian national team from 1993 to 1996.
In 2000, Puskás was named one of the FIFA World Player of the 20th Century. He was also awarded the FIFA Order of Merit in 2002.
Puskás died in Budapest on 17 November 2006, at the age of 79. He is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Legacy
Puskás is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He was a prolific goalscorer with a powerful shot and excellent dribbling skills. He was also a great team player and had a keen eye for a pass.
Puskás's legacy is still felt today. The FIFA Puskás Award, which is awarded annually to the player who has scored the best goal in the world, is named in his honor.
Personal life
Puskás was married twice. He had three children, two daughters and a son. His son, Ferenc Puskás Jr., also became a professional footballer.
Career
Club career
Budapest Honvéd
Puskás began his career with Budapest Honvéd in 1943. He quickly established himself as one of the world's best players, helping Honvéd win five Hungarian League championships and three Hungarian Cups. He also led Hungary to the gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics and the final of the 1954 FIFA World Cup, where he scored four goals in the 6–3 defeat to West Germany.
Real Madrid
In 1956, Puskás defected to Spain during the Hungarian Revolution and joined Real Madrid. He spent eight seasons with Real Madrid, winning five La Liga titles and three European Cups. He also helped Real Madrid win the Intercontinental Cup in 1960.
Vasas
Puskás returned to Hungary in 1961 and joined Vasas. He spent two seasons with Vasas, winning the Hungarian League championship in 1962.
International career
Puskás made his debut for Hungary in 1945. He went on to score 84 goals in 85 international matches, making him the country's top goalscorer and one of the highest scorers for any European national team. He also led Hungary to the gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics and the final of the 1954 FIFA World Cup.
Coaching career
Puskás retired from playing in 1967 and began a coaching career. He managed several clubs in Spain, Greece, and Chile, and also served as the manager of the Hungarian national team from 1993 to 1996.
Awards and honors
Club
Budapest Honvéd
- Hungarian League championship: 1949–50, 1950–51, 1952, 1954, 1955
- Hungarian Cup: 1952, 1955
Real Madrid
- La Liga championship: 1956–57, 1957–58, 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63
- European Cup: 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59
- Intercontinental Cup: 1960
Vasas
- Hungarian League championship: 1961–62
International
Hungary
- Olympic gold medal: 1952
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1954
