Ferenc Puskás Football Biography

Biography of Puskás Ferenc: The Galloping Major

Early Years & Rise to Stardom

Born on April 2, 1927, in Budapest, Puskás Ferenc was destined for football greatness. Nicknamed "Öcsi" (Little Brother) as a child, he honed his skills on the streets before joining Kispest AC, later known as Honvéd. His left foot, described as "magical", propelled Hungary's ^{Golden Team} to dominance in the 1950s.

Key Achievements

• Scored 84 goals in 85 games for Hungary, a record that still astounds.
• Led Hungary to Olympic gold (1952) and a near-World Cup victory (1954).
• Won three European Cups with Real Madrid, forming a legendary partnership with Di Stéfano.

Struggles & Exile

"He carried the weight of a nation's hopes—and its tragedies," wrote historian György Szöllősi.

After the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Puskás was exiled, banned from international play, and labeled a "traitor" by some. Yet, he reinvented himself at Real Madrid, silencing critics with his brilliance.

Legacy

Puskás wasn't just a footballer—he was a cultural icon. His name graces stadiums, awards, and even an asteroid (₈₂₆₅₆ Puskás).
As teammate Zoltán Czibor once said: "He could thread a needle with that left foot."

Final thought: The Galloping Major remains football's eternal maestro.