Puskás, Ferenc

Puskás, Ferenc, 1927–2006, Hungarian soccer player. A relatively slow but extremely powerful forward, Puskás became famous for his extraordinarily effective left-footed kick. He began playing professionally in his teens, joining the Kispest (later Budapest Honvéd) team in 1943 and leading it to a number of championships. From 1945 to 1956 he also was a star offensive player for the Hungarian national team, which captured the 1952 Olympic gold medal and placed second in the 1954 World Cup. Puskás left Hungary after the abortive anti-Communist uprising of 1956, moved to Spain, and played (1958–67) with Real Madrid. There he and Alfredo di Stefano led the celebrated squad to three European Cups (1959–60, 1966) and many other victories. Puskás also played for Spain's national team. After he retired from active play, Puskás was a professional coach.