Ferenc Puskas: Cañoncito Five Five

In the collective memory of football, Few names resonate as strong as that of Ferenc Puskas, nicknamed “Cañoncito Five Five”. This legendary striker not only left an indelible mark on Real Madrid, It was also a key figure in the history of world football. Since its inception in Hungary to its glorious days in the White Club, We review the trajectory of a player who, where he puts the eye, He put the ball.

The beginnings of a legend: Puskas, he “Gunsmith” Hungarian

Francis Puskás Nati El 2 April 1927 one Budapest, Hungary. His original name was Purczeld, But changed it to Puskás, that means “Esclater” In Hungarian, A nickname that came as a ring to the finger thanks to the power and precision of its left leg. From a very young age, demonstrated a natural talent for football, debuting in him Patron, The Hungarian Army Club, where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

En el Honvéd, Puskás began to forge his legend, scoring 358 goals in 349 official matches. His extraordinary scoring capacity made him a star of the Hungarian team, The mythical “Magic Magiares”, A team that marked an era in the years 50.

Success with Hungarian National Team

Puskas led the Hungarian team in a golden age. Con 84 goals in 85 international parties, It was a key piece to conquer gold in the Helsinki Olympics 1952. Besides, captained the team in the historic victory for 6-3 About England in Wembley in 1953, A result that amazed the world. In the World Cup 1954, los “Magic Magiares” They reached the final, although they fell against West Germany in a party remembered as the “Miracle of Bern“.

However, Political events would mark their career. In 1956, After the Soviet invasion of Hungary, Puskas defected while traveling to Bilbao to play a European Cup match with the Honved. This fact led him to be sanctioned and repudiated in his country, But he would open a new stage in his life.

The arrival to Real Madrid: An unexpected rebirth

After two years of inactivity and with 31 years, Many believed that ‘Pancho's career’ had come to an end. However, in 1958, he joined Real Madrid, where he showed that he still had a lot to offer. Although it arrived with overweight and out of shape, soon became a fundamental piece of the team.

Together with legends like Alfredo Di Stefano, Paco Gento and Raymond Kopa, Puskas was part of one of the most dominant teams in history. In his eight seasons at Real Madrid, noted 191 goals in 223 official matches, conquering:

• 5 Suspenders
• 1 Spain Cup
• 3 European Cups
• 1 Intercontinental Cup

One of his most iconic moments was the European Cup final of 1960, where he marked Four goals in victory for 7-3 Against the Frankfurt Eintracht. This party consolidated its place among the greatest of all time.

The dual nationality and sunset of his international career

After nationalizing Spanish, He played four games with the Spanish team, including the World Cup 1962 in Chile. However, could not replicate the success achieved with Hungary, And his contribution was far from the expected.

The memory of “Cañoncito Five Five”

Ferenc Puskas retired from professional football in 1966, to the 39 years, leaving behind a brilliant career. Posteriorly, He dedicated himself to training teams and selections in different parts of the world. In 1992, He could return to his native Hungary, where he was received as a hero, recovering even their military gallons.

Unfortunately, in the year 2000 Alzheimer's were diagnosed, and the 17 November 2006 died at 79 years. His legacy, however, lives in each goal and in every moment of glory that provided fans.

Puskas: An immortal name in world football

Hoy, The name of Ferenc Puskas is still synonymous with greatness. The prize awarded by FIFA to the best goal of the year bears his name, A recognition of its eternal impact on sport. From the streets of Budapest to Santiago Bernabéu, “Cañoncito Five Five” left a mark that time cannot delete.

Without a doubt, Puskas was not only one of the best players of his time, but one of the greatest in the history of football.