Gyula Grosics

Gyula Grosics (; 4 February 1926 – 13 June 2014) was a Hungarian football goalkeeper who played 86 times for the Hungary national football team and was part of the "Golden Team" of the 1950s. Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he was thought to be the first goalkeeper to play as the sweeper-keeper. Grosics was nicknamed "Black Panther" , because he wore black clothing while playing.

Early life Gyula Grosics was born 4 February 1926 in Dorog, Hungary. Growing up, his mother encouraged him to be a priest, which later inspired his signature all-black match kits . Instead, Grosics began his professional football career in Dorog, playing for Dorogi Bányász in 1943. During World War II, he briefly fought for the Axis and was captured by American forces.

Career In 1947, Grosics made his debut with the Hungary national team. With the rather short In 1953, Hungary beat England in a game dubbed "The Match of the Century". He was selected as the goalkeeper of the 1954 World Cup's All Star Team.

Hungary entered the 1954 FIFA World Cup on a four-year unbeaten streak and as heavy favorites. However, the team lost in the final 3–2 to West Germany, a team they defeated 8–3 in the group stage. By 1954, Hungary had recorded 42 victories with Grosics in goal, 7 draws, and just that one loss. During the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Grosics and his family fled the country and attempted to start a new life. However, they were forced to return. Grosics then transferred to Tatabánya Bányász SC.

Later life, and death After retiring, Grosics went into coaching. During his career, he held positions with several Hungarian teams and the Kuwait national team. When Hungary became a democracy in 1990, Grosics unsuccessfully ran for parliament under the Hungarian Democratic Forum. 46 years after being barred from signing with them. The 82-year-old Grosics performed the kick-off in a friendly match against Sheffield United. He was then substituted as the crowd gave a standing ovation.

Honours Budapest Honvéd Hungarian League: 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955

Hungary Balkan Cup Champions: 1947 Olympic Champions: 1952 Central European Champions: 1953 World Cup runner-up: 1954

Individual Hungarian Football Federation Player of the Year: 1949, 1950 FIFA World Cup: All-Star Team 1954 World Soccer World XI: 1960, 1961