The Golden Team (Aranycsapat) was Hungary’s national football team from 1950 to 1956. Many believe it was one of the greatest football teams in history, renowned for revolutionary tactics, technical brilliance, and near-invincibility.
The team was built around Ferenc Puskás, Sándor Kocsis, Nándor Hidegkuti, József Bozsik, and Gyula Grosics. Managed by Gusztáv Sebes, they played a flexible style that influenced modern football, particularly their use of a deep-lying centre-forward.
At their height, the Golden Team went for an unprecedented 32-match unbeaten run (1950–1954). However, the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 led to the breakup of the team, with several players defecting abroad.
The "Match of the Century" was played on November 25, 1953, at Wembley Stadium in London, with Hungary defeating England 6–3. England had never lost a home match to a team from outside the British Isles. Thanks to their fluid, tactical style, Hungary were a rising force, but the degree to which they outclassed England shocked the English players and fans.
Nándor Hidegkuti 1922-2002
Nándor Hidegkuti, played as a deep-lying centre-forward which was then an unfamiliar role and one that completely confused the English defence. He scored a hat-trick in the game. Ferenc Puskás scored two goals, including the famous moment where he dragged the ball back to leave England's captain Billy Wright sliding past helplessly. Hungary dominated possession, movement, and technique. For many, it marked the beginning of a new era in football tactics and ended the myth of English football superiority.
Nándor Hidegkuti was the tactical mastermind at the heart of the Golden Team. He revolutionized the role of the centre-forward, rather than staying up front in the traditional style, he dropped deep into midfield — confusing defenders, opening space for Puskás and Sándor Kocsis, as well as orchestrating attacks. Arguably, his greatest moment came at Wembley in 1953 when he scored half of Hungary’s goals against England.
After retiring from playing, Hidegkuti became a respected manager. He coached Fiorentina (Italy) to a Cup Winners' Cup title in 1961 — the first Hungarian to lead a major European club to such a success. As was common in those days, when he retired from football management he was given this 6:3 Borozo as his own business. He was owner and manager throughout the 1970s before handing it over to Marika, who ran it until her retirement in 2018.