Top 10 best Hungarian soccer players in football history

Top 10 best Hungarian soccer players in football history

Babu Tendu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:28 PM

Hungary has a rich history in soccer, producing many talented athletes over the years. Hungarian soccer players have left a lasting impression on the sport, from the 1950s "Magical Magyars" team to modern-day athletes making their mark on the international stage. In this article, we take a look at some of the best Hungarians in football history, exploring their achievements, skills, and impact on the game.

Hungarian soccer players
The Hungary national football team at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France in May 1924. The team would lose to Egypt 0-3 in the second round of the tournament. (Photo by Paul Popper)
Source: Getty Images

Hungarian soccer players have been instrumental in shaping the sport domestically and internationally. Many of these athletes have enjoyed successful careers, with some achieving legendary status in their respective clubs and countries.

Best Hungarian soccer players in history

As we delve into the list, it is clear that their contribution to the beautiful game is immeasurable, and their influence will continue to inspire generations.

1. Ferenc Puskás

Hungarian soccer players
Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskas (1927 - 2006) of Real Madrid leads the team out to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, London, 22nd November 1966. (Photo by Robert Stiggins)
Source: Getty Images

Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Ferenc Puskás was born on April 2, 1927, in Budapest, Hungary. He started his career with Kispest FC, which later became Budapest Honvéd. Puskás was known for his incredible left foot, his ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch, and his tactical intelligence.

He played for Hungary in the 1950s, forming part of the legendary "Mighty Magyars" team that won Olympic gold in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954. He then moved to Real Madrid in 1958, winning five La Liga titles and three European Cups. Many consider him the greatest Hungarian soccer player of all time.

Puskás scored a total of 512 goals in 528 club appearances and 84 goals in 85 international appearances. He passed away on November 17, 2006, at 79. It will go down in history that even the best current Hungarian soccer players are not close to his level.

2. Zoltán Czibor

Hungarian soccer players
Hungarian forward Zoltan Czibor gets ready to hit a corner kick during a match taking place in November 1953. (Photo credit should read STAFF/AFP)
Source: Getty Images

Another among the top Hungarian soccer players is Zoltán Czibor. He was born on August 23, 1929, in Budapest, Hungary. He started his career with Ferencváros, but it was in Barcelona where he made his name.

Czibor was a fast, skilful winger known for his dribbling ability and eye for goal. He played for Hungary in the 1950s, forming part of the "Mighty Magyars" team that won Olympic gold in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954. After leaving Barcelona, Czibor played for several other clubs in Spain and Germany before retiring in 1966. He passed away on September 1, 1997, at 68.

3. Nándor Hidegkuti

Hungarian soccer players
Hungarian footballer Nandor Hidegkuti (1922 - 2002), a forward for the Hungarian National Team, at Fulham in London before a match against England on 23rd November 1953. (Photo by Reg Burkett)
Source: Getty Images

Nándor Hidegkuti was born in Budapest, Hungary, on March 3, 1922. He started his career with MTK Budapest, where he played as a striker. However, it was as a midfielder that he made his mark. Hidegkuti was technically gifted and known for his vision, passing, and goalscoring ability.

He played for Hungary in the 1940s and 1950s, where he formed part of the "Mighty Magyars" team that won Olympic gold in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954. After retiring from playing, Hidegkuti became a successful coach, leading several clubs in Hungary and Egypt. He passed away on February 14, 2002, at 79.

4. Sándor Kocsis

Hungarian soccer players
Portrait of Hungarian footballer Sándor Kocsis (1929 - 1979), Forward for Hungary and Budapest Honved Football Club circa 1956 in Hungary. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive).
Source: Getty Images

Sándor Kocsis was born in Budapest, Hungary, on September 21, 1929. He started his career with Ferencváros, but it was at Budapest Honvéd where he made his name. Kocsis was a tall, powerful striker known for his aerial ability and clinical finishing.

He played for Hungary in the 1950s, forming part of the "Mighty Magyars" team that won Olympic gold in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954. After leaving Honvéd, Kocsis moved to Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles and was the league's top scorer in 1958. He passed away on July 22, 1979, at 49.

5. László Kubala

Hungarian soccer players
Hungarian soccer player Ladislao Kubala, coach of C.F.Barcelona, 1974, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. (Photo by Gianni Ferrari/Cover/)
Source: Getty Images

Kubala was born on June 10, 1927, in Budapest, Hungary. He started his career with Ferencváros, but it was in Barcelona where he really made his name. Kubala was a technically gifted forward known for his skill and technique on the ball, vision, and goalscoring ability.

He played for Hungary in the 1940s and 1950s before switching to play for Spain in 1953. Kubala went on to play for Barcelona for over ten years, where he won four La Liga titles and two Fairs Cups. He passed away on May 17, 2002, at 75.

6. Gyula Grosics

Hungarian soccer players
Gyula Grosics poses for the media during the reception for the 75th Birthday of former German National player, Horst Eckel, on February 8, 2007. (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller)
Source: Getty Images

Grosics was born on February 4, 1926, in Dorog, Hungary. He started his career with Tatabánya, before moving to MTK Budapest and then to Tatabánya again. Grosics was a highly skilled goalkeeper known for his agility, reflexes, and bravery.

He played for Hungary in the 1950s, forming part of the legendary "Mighty Magyars" team that won Olympic gold in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954. Gyula is widely considered one of the most famous Hungarian soccer players.

Grosics retired from playing in 1962 and became a successful coach. He passed away on June 13, 2014, at the age of 88.

7. József Bozsik

Bozsik was born on November 28, 1925, in Budapest, Hungary. He started his career with Ferencváros, but it was at Budapest Honvéd where he made his name. Bozsik was a technically gifted midfielder known for his passing ability, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game.

He played for Hungary in the 1950s, forming part of the legendary "Mighty Magyars" team that won Olympic gold in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954. Bozsik retired from playing in 1961 and became a successful coach. He passed away on May 31, 1978, at 52, after having a career as one of the best Hungarian soccer players.

8. Ferenc Bene

Hungarian soccer players
Ferenc Bene, Hungary (Photo by PA Images)
Source: Getty Images

Bene was born on December 17, 1944, in Budapest, Hungary. He started his career with Újpest. Bene was a fast, skilful forward who was known for his speed and dribbling ability, as well as his clinical finishing. He played for Hungary in the 1960s and 1970s, scoring 36 goals in 76 appearances.

Bene retired from playing in 1977 and became a successful coach. He passed away on February 27, 2006, at the age of 61. He ranks among the great Hungarian soccer players.

9. Imre Schlosser

Schlosser was born on October 11, 1889, in Budapest, Hungary. He started his career with Ferencváros. Schlosser was a powerful forward known for his physical strength, shot, and ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch.

He played for Hungary in the early 1900s, scoring an incredible 59 goals in just 68 appearances. Schlosser retired from playing in 1924 and became a successful coach. He passed away on July 19, 1959, at the age of 69. He is regarded as one of the best Hungarian soccer players ever.

10. Ákos Buzsáky

Hungarian soccer players
Akos Buzsaky in action during the npower Championship match between Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park on October 2, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger)
Source: Getty Images

Ákos Buzsáky is a Hungarian midfielder who has played for several clubs in Hungary and England. He was born on May 7, 1982, in Budapest, Hungary. Buzsáky started his professional career at MTK Budapest, where he played from 1999 to 2004, making over 100 appearances for the club.

In 2004, Buzsáky moved to the English club Plymouth Argyle, where he spent three seasons and established himself as a vital part of the team. He then moved to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2007, where he played for five seasons and became a fan favourite. Buzsáky was known for his excellent passing ability and set-piece skills during his time at QPR, where he made over 130 appearances and scored 18 goals.

Buzsáky also represented the Hungarian national team, making over 30 appearances between 2006 and 2014. He was known for his technical ability and passing range and was often deployed as a playmaker or attacking midfielder. Even the best Hungarian soccer players right now will agree that he was one of the best.

Hungarian soccer players
Akos Buzsaky in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Queens Park Rangers at Goodison Park on August 20, 2011 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey)
Source: Getty Images

List Of 5 Hungarian soccer players in MLS

Two players who have played for the Hungarian national team and play in the MLS currently include:

  • Dániel Sallói - Sporting Kansas City.
  • Dániel Gazdag - Philadelphia Union.

Do any Hungarian footballers play in the Premier League?

As of March 2023, there are no Hungarians who play in the Premier League.

Hungarian soccer players
Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskás at his home in Madrid on April 11, 1964, Spain. (Photo by REPORTERS ASSOCIES/Gamma-Rapho)
Source: Getty Images

Who is the most famous Hungarian footballer? The most famous is Ferenc Puskás. He is widely considered one of the greatest players in football history and is a legend in both Hungary and Spain, where he spent most of his career playing for Real Madrid. Puskás was a prolific goalscorer and helped Hungary achieve their greatest success in football, including a runner-up finish in the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

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