Gyula Grosics

Hungarian footballer and manager (1926–2014)

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" (Fekete Párduc), because he wore black clothing while playing.

Gyula Grosics was born 4 February 1926 in Dorog, Hungary. Growing up, his mother encouraged him to be a priest. 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.

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.

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.