Ranking the best Hungary soccer stars of all time
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The place of Hungary in world football has always been among the best. In European football, Hungarian soccer stars are trailblazers. They are ranked among the best in world football. In Europe, EUFA ranks the Hungarian league at position 28 out of 55, which is good. At the international level, FIFA ranks Hungary at position 40 out of 210 national teams. If you want to bet on the Hungarian NB1 teams and players, you can use this alternative offer when placing bets.
But while Hungarian footballers have always lifted the name of their country higher at the international level, pundits argue the country has been facing a shortage of talents for the last four decades.
Past Glory and the Long Journey Ahead
Hungary has a thriving soccer culture. However, the journey has not been smooth. While the country last qualified for the world cup in 1986, they have a rich history in the football world. The country’s exploits in world football were at its peak before and after World War 2. From Hungary, big stars have been born, conquering the world of football in its wake. The country’s exploits in Nations League is a sign of good things to come, especially after many years of struggling in the cold. Moreover, Hungary is home to one of the most fought football derbies; Újpest FC vs. Ferencváros in Budapest.
The big question is from whom will the current generation of Magyar’s players draw inspiration? Well, Hungary has never been short of soccer talents. Take a look.
Ferenc Puskás
The FIFA Puskas football award is named after Ferenc Puskás, a Hungarian soccer star whose football talent continues to inspire generations. Ferenc Puskás goal tally of 84 in 84 international games remain unbeaten, even by World football greatest. He is easily the best Hungary soccer player of all time. Puskás Award was launched in 2009, three years after Ferenc passed on after a battle with Pneumonia.
Sándor Kocsis
Sándor Kocsis is another top Hungarian soccer star. Kocsis played alongside Ferenc Puskás and made 335 appearances in his professional football career, scoring 295 goals. Sándor Kocsis was part of the mighty Magyars, a formidable national team in the 1950s. He would later move to Spain to play for Barcelona.
László Kubala Stecz
Also known as Ladislao Kubala (Spanish) or Ladislav Kubala (Slovakia), Stecz made history in Hungary. As a professional footballer, he played for Slovan Bratislava, Ferencvaros, Espanyol and Barcelona. He made the most appearances for Barcelona where he scored 131 goals in 186 appearances. Stecz played a total of 379 matches, scoring 217 goals
Flórián Albert
Florian Albert was not only a top soccer player but also a sports official and a team manager. In 1967, Flórián Albert bagged the European Football player of the year award, earning his place among elite Hungarian soccer stars. During his time, he was often referred to as ‘The Emperor’. Some said Flórián Albert was the most elegant soccer star during his time.
Ferenc Bene
Born on 17th December 1944, Ferenc Bene is a Hungarian soccer star who scored 36 goals in 76 appearances for the national team. In his football career, Ferenc Bene scored the most goals for Újpest FC. He made 417 appearances for Újpest FC and scored 303 goals.