Ferenc Puskas: Career, Stats, Family and Net Worth

Ferenc Puskas was one of the greatest football players of all time, who was well known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and skill on the field.

Puskas was born on April 1, 1927, in Budapest, Hungary and he became a global icon leaving a lasting legacy in the world of football.

Often referred to as the “Galloping Major”, he was celebrated for his powerful left foot and remarkable scoring record. Throughout his career, Puskás dazzled fans with his performances, making significant contributions to both club and international football.

Ferenc Puskas was more than just a footballer – He was a legend whose impact on the game is still felt today. His incredible skill goal-scoring prowess and charismatic personality made him a beloved figure in the football world.

From his early days in Hungary to his glorious years at Real Madrid, Puskás’ journey is a testament to his talent and passion for the sport. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers around the globe.

Career

Kispest and Budapest Honved

Puskas began his professional career with Kispest, which later became Budapest Honved. His father, who was also a former footballer coached the team, giving Puskas an early start in the sport.

During his time with Honved, Puskas emerged as one of the top scorers in the Hungarian League, winning the league title five times. He was the top scorer in the league on four occasions and in 1948, he was the top goal scorer in Europe.

Real Madrid

After the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Puskas moved to Spain and joined Real Madrid in 1958. Despite being 31 at the time, he quickly became a key player for the club.

Puskas scored an incredible 156 goals in 180 La Liga matches, winning the Pichichi Trophy four times as the league’s top scorer. He helped Real Madrid win five consecutive La Liga titles and three European Cups, cementing his place as one of the club’s all-time greats.

His partnership with Alfredo Di Stefano was legendary and together they dominated European football in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

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International Career

Puskas had an illustrious international career with Hungary, scoring 84 goals in 85 appearances. He was a key player for the “Golden Team” of the 1950s which won the Olympic gold medal in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954.

Despite a heartbreaking loss to West Germany in the final, Puskas’ performances throughout the tournament were unforgettable. After becoming a Spanish citizen, he played four matches for Spain including appearances in the 1962 World Cup.

Here is a table summarizing Ferenc Puskas’s career stats by club and country:

Personal Life and Family

Ferenc Puskas was born Ferenc Purczeld to a German-Hungarian family. His father changed the family name to Puskás in 1937.

Ferenc Puskas was born into a family with a strong football background. His father Ferenc Puskas Sr. was also a footballer and played for Kispest AC, the club that later became Budapest Honved where Puskas began his career.

Puskas married Erzsebet and the couple had a daughter named Aniko. Despite his football fame, Puskas was known for his humble and kind nature. After retiring from playing, he lived in Spain, Greece, and Australia before returning to Hungary in the early 1990s.

After retiring from professional football, Puskás faced various challenges including political and economic difficulties as he lived in exile for many years. He eventually settled in Spain and became a beloved figure in the football community. Puskas passed away on December 17, 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire footballers and fans worldwide.

Net Worth and Earnings

Puskás’s net worth at the time of his death in 2006 was estimated to be around $2 million. During his career, he earned money through his contracts with clubs like Budapest Honvéd and Real Madrid.

He also made significant earnings from endorsements and sponsorships. In his later years, Puskas continued to be involved in football by coaching various clubs and national teams which added to his income.

FAQs

Did Ferenc Puskas win the World Cup?
No, Ferenc Puskas did not win the World Cup as Hungary, Spain, and Castile did not win any World Cup during his career reign 1945-1963.

How many goals did Ferenc Puskas score?
Ferenc Puskas scored a total of 806 goals in 793 official matches.

Why is the Puskas Award named after Ferenc Puskas?
The Puskas Award is named after Ferenc Puskas to honour the most beautiful goal of the year, reflecting his legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers in football history.

Did Puskas play for Real Madrid?
Yes, Ferenc Puskas played for Real Madrid from 1958 to 1966.

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