# Flórián Albert

> Hungarian footballer (1941-2011)

**Wikidata**: [Q201534](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q201534)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flórián_Albert)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/florian-albert

## Summary

Flórián Albert was a Hungarian footballer who played as a forward and later became a football manager. Born on September 15, 1941, and died on October 31, 2011, he is best known as the only Hungarian player to win the Ballon d'Or, achieving this honor in 1967. He spent his entire playing career with Ferencvárosi TC and was named honorary citizen of Budapest for his contributions to Hungarian football.

## Biography

- **Born**: September 15, 1941
- **Died**: October 31, 2011
- **Nationality**: Hungary
- **Education**: Not specified in source material
- **Known for**: Winning the Ballon d'Or in 1967; only Hungarian player to achieve this feat
- **Employer(s)**: Ferencvárosi TC (playing career: 1958-1974)
- **Field(s)**: Association football (player and coach)

## Contributions

Flórián Albert made significant contributions to Hungarian football throughout his career:

- **Playing Career**: Spent his entire professional playing career (1958-1974) with Ferencvárosi TC, one of Hungary's most successful football clubs
- **Ballon d'Or Victory**: Won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 1967, becoming the first and only Hungarian player to win this honor
- **International Career**: Represented the Hungarian national team as a forward
- **Coaching Career**: Later became an association football coach, transitioning from player to manager
- **Honors**: Received honorary citizenship of Budapest in recognition of his contributions to Hungarian football

## FAQs

### What is Flórián Albert most famous for?

Flórián Albert is most famous for winning the Ballon d'Or in 1967, making him the only Hungarian player in history to receive this prestigious individual award in association football.

### Which club did Flórián Albert play for?

Flórián Albert played his entire professional career for Ferencvárosi TC from 1958 to 1974, becoming a legendary figure at the club.

### When was Flórián Albert born and when did he die?

Flórián Albert was born on September 15, 1941, and died on October 31, 2011, at the age of 70.

### What positions did Flórián Albert play?

Flórián Albert played as a forward during his playing career.

### What honors did Flórián Albert receive?

Flórián Albert received the Ballon d'Or in 1967 and was named honorary citizen of Budapest for his contributions to Hungarian football.

## Why They Matter

Flórián Albert holds a unique place in football history as the only Hungarian player ever to win the Ballon d'Or, an achievement that has not been repeated since 1967. His victory represented a significant moment for Hungarian football during a period when the country was working to rebuild its reputation in the sport following the "Mighty Magyars" era of the 1950s. As a one-cliff man who spent his entire 16-year playing career with Ferencvárosi TC, Albert exemplified loyalty and consistency at the highest level. His success as both a player and later as a coach contributed to the development of Hungarian football and inspired future generations of Hungarian players. The Ballon d'Or win in 1967 was particularly significant as it came during a competitive era against some of the greatest players in football history.

## Notable For

- Only Hungarian player to win the Ballon d'Or (1967)
- Spent entire playing career (1958-1974) with Ferencvárosi TC
- Won 16 caps for the Hungarian national team
- Named honorary citizen of Budapest
- Played as a forward
- Later became an association football coach

## Body

### Early Life and Career Beginnings

Flórián Albert was born on September 15, 1941, in Hungary. He began his professional football career in 1958, joining Ferencvárosi TC, the Budapest-based club that would become his football home for the next 16 years.

### Playing Career at Ferencvárosi TC

Albert spent his entire professional playing career from 1958 to 1974 with Ferencvárosi TC, one of Hungary's most successful and storied football clubs. During his tenure, he established himself as one of the most talented forwards in Hungarian football history. His consistent performances and goal-scoring ability made him an integral part of the team during a transformative period for Hungarian football.

### International Career

As a forward for the Hungarian national team, Albert earned 16 caps representing his country. His international career coincided with a period when Hungarian football was seeking to reclaim its status among Europe's elite nations following the legendary teams of the 1950s.

### Ballon d'Or Achievement

The pinnacle of Flórián Albert's career came in 1967 when he won the Ballon d'Or, awarded annually to the best football player in Europe. This achievement made him the first and only Hungarian player to win this prestigious award in the history of the competition. The Ballon d'Or, established in 1956 and awarded by France Football magazine, is considered one of the most prestigious individual honors in football. Albert's victory placed him among the elite players of his era and cemented his legacy in football history.

### Later Career and Coaching

Following his retirement from playing in 1974, Albert transitioned into football management, becoming an association football coach. This move reflected his desire to contribute to the sport beyond his playing days and to pass on his knowledge and experience to future generations of Hungarian footballers.

### Recognition and Legacy

Flórián Albert's contributions to Hungarian football were recognized through various honors. He was named honorary citizen of Budapest, the capital city where he spent his entire career and became a football legend. His legacy extends beyond his individual achievements, as he helped maintain Hungary's prominence in European football during a challenging period for the sport in the country.

### Death and Commemoration

Flórián Albert passed away on October 31, 2011, at the age of 70. His grave is located in Óbuda cemetery, where fans and football enthusiasts continue to honor his memory. His image is preserved in photographs, including "Flórián Albert cropped.jpg," and his legacy continues to be celebrated in Hungarian football history.

### Statistical Profile

Albert stood at 186 cm tall and weighed 76 kg, physical attributes that contributed to his effectiveness as a forward. His career spanned 16 years from 1958 to 1974, all spent with a single club, demonstrating remarkable loyalty and consistency at the highest level of Hungarian football.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. [Source](https://adt.arcanum.com/hu/view/Sportkonyvek_450/?pg=37&layout=s)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Transfermarkt
5. FBref
6. GeneaStar
7. [Source](http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/news/florian-albert-dies-aged-70_6924.html)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/38392/)
10. [Source](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/florian-albert-footballer-whose-stylish-talents-lit-up-grounds-around-the-world-6255764.html)