Photo: MTI/Noémi Bruzák
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó speaks at the opening of the Honvéd exhibition at the Hungarian Football Academy on November 27, 2024.
According to the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, at the opening of the Honvéd exhibition organized by the Hungarian Football Academy, the head of the ministry stated that this special exhibition is about at least five things: greatness, pettiness, difficult decisions, the characters who make them, and glory.
He explained that the exhibition firstly presents the greatness of Honvéd, which was considered the best football team in the world in the 1950s.
In addition, the visitors can witness the infinite pettiness of the former communist system, since everyone knows that in this era many were destroyed on basically political grounds, but it is clear here that they did not make an exception even with world stars, he noted.
“They also wanted to break the spines of world stars, they also wanted the lives of world stars, and unfortunately they were able to make them bitter,” he said.
“From Budapest, Moscow – with the approval of Washington, of course, as is usually the case – they reached out after the golden team of the Honvéd on the other side of the world, just so that the players and the team could not realize their old dream,” he added.
Péter Szijjártó then continued with the difficult decisions that had to be made by the footballers who were stranded far from their homeland, worried about their family, living in complete uncertainty and mentally tormented.
“And many people carried the sadness of leaving their homeland forever in their hearts. We heard that one of the team’s world stars, Zoltán Czibor, was preparing to see his parents again in Komárom in two weeks, and that made twenty-seven years. But Ferenc Puskás didn’t dare to come home to Hungary for a very long time either, because he didn’t know what the consequences would be,” he pointed out.
“This exhibition is also about the characters who managed to remain world stars despite all the difficulties. Think about the state of mind Puskás had to be in at Real Madrid, and his fellow strikers at Barcelona, and they did,” he said.
The minister finally touched on the glory of the Honvéd, which, according to him, still makes the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people beat.
Also, he wished the young people attending the Hungarian Football Academy that they will fight for the team with the same devotion as their predecessors, these big stars, who tried to make it impossible in every way, with the coat of arms of the Hungarian National Army over their hearts.
“I wish you guys to be as successful as the ones you will be able to see at the exhibition. Come on, Hon. Only Kispest!” he said.
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What significance does the Honvéd exhibition hold for understanding the relationship between sports and national identity in Hungary?
Title: Beyond the Pitch: A Conversation on Heritage, Politics, and Glory in Hungarian Football
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Anna Kovács, a renowned sports historian and expert on Hungarian football history. Anna, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Anna Kovács: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the rich tapestry of Hungarian football, especially in light of recent events.
Interviewer: Just recently, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó opened the Honvéd exhibition at the Hungarian Football Academy. He talked about the complexities surrounding Hungarian football’s golden era in the 1950s. What do you think this exhibition represents for current generations?
Dr. Kovács: The Honvéd exhibition serves as a bridge to our history. As Szijjártó emphasized, it showcases not only the greatness of the Honvéd team but also the political and personal challenges faced by these players. For today’s youth, understanding this legacy enhances their appreciation of what football means—not just as a sport, but as a reflection of our national identity and struggles.
Interviewer: You mentioned the challenges players faced during the communist regime. Szijjártó highlighted the pettiness of the communist system and how it affected even world-star athletes. Can you elaborate on that impact?
Dr. Kovács: Absolutely. During the communist era, politics often infiltrated sports. Players like Ferenc Puskás and Zoltán Czibor were not just athletes; they were symbols of hope and aspiration for many. However, their ability to pursue dreams was severely hampered by political interference. The documentations of their struggles, such as the dreadful uncertainty they lived through, shed light on how deeply politics invaded personal lives and careers. They were living under pressure, often torn between loyalty to their homeland and their aspirations on the international stage.
Interviewer: It’s truly poignant. The minister also spoke about “difficult decisions” these athletes had to make. From your research, what were some of the most significant sacrifices they faced?
Dr. Kovács: The athletes had to make heart-wrenching decisions, often choosing between their career and staying loyal to their country or loved ones. Many ended up living in exile, like Czibor, who had not seen his family for decades. This prolonged separation caused deep emotional scars, evident in their performances and personal lives. Their stories are a testament to their resilience but also a reflection of the painful choices imposed by the political climate of their time.
Interviewer: Szijjártó mentioned that there was an external influence from “Budapest, Moscow, with the approval of Washington.” What does this say about the intertwining of sports and international politics?
Dr. Kovács: It highlights a critical era when sports became a tool for political messaging and maneuvering during the Cold War. The fate of these players was often linked to global politics, showcasing how sports could be influenced by international relations. The narrative surrounding Honvéd during the 1950s exemplifies this, as the allure of their talents was globally recognized, yet they were ensnared in a web of politics that stifled their ambitions.
Interviewer: Given these reflections on heritage and politics, what role do you believe exhibitions like the Honvéd showcase will play in educating the public?
Dr. Kovács: Exhibitions like this are vital for educating the public about our history. They not only celebrate achievements but also provoke critical conversations about the context in which those achievements occurred. The interplay of sports and politics is often overlooked, but through such platforms, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for not only our past heroes but also the socio-political landscape they navigated.
Interviewer: Thank you, Anna, for sharing your insights on this complex subject. It’s clear that the legacy of Hungarian football is not only about the game but also about the historical narratives intertwined with it.
Dr. Kovács: Thank you for having me; it’s essential that we keep these stories alive.
Interviewer: And to our audience, we hope this conversation has shed light on the multifaceted world of football and history. Until next time, stay curious!