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Mihaly LantosHungarian footballer, defender of the Hungarian national team, coach.
Date of Birth: 21.09.1928
Country:  Hungary |
Content:
Early Career and Club Success
Mihaj Lantos began his professional football career in 1948 with MTK Budapest. Amidst political turmoil, the club underwent several name changes during this period, including Textilsz, Bastia, and Vörös Lobogó, before returning to its original name.
Under the guidance of manager Márton Bukovi, MTK experienced a golden era in the 1950s, boasting a squad that included legendary players such as Nándor Hidegkuti, Péter Palotás, and József Zakariás. Lantos was an integral part of the team's success, winning three Hungarian league titles, the Hungarian Cup, and the Mitropa Cup.
Rise with the Golden Team
From 1949 to 1956, Lantos represented the Hungarian national team, earning 52 caps and scoring five goals. He made his international debut on July 10, 1949, in a victory over Poland.
Lantos played a pivotal role in Hungary's era known as the "Golden Team." He contributed to their Olympic gold medal in 1952 and their triumph in the Central European International Cup in 1953, where they defeated England twice. In 1954, he scored the opening goal in Hungary's historic 7-1 victory over England.
He subsequently played in the 1954 FIFA World Cup, starting in all five of Hungary's matches. He scored a goal against South Korea in the first match and again in the quarter-final against Brazil. Hungary finished the tournament as runners-up.
Legacy and Memory
Mihaj Lantos passed away on December 31, 1989, and was laid to rest in New Public Cemetery in Budapest. In his honor, MTK Budapest renamed their sports complex after him in May 2009.
Achievements
- Olympic Champion: 1952- FIFA World Cup Runner-Up: 1954
- Central European International Cup Winner: 1953
- Hungarian League Champion: 1951, 1953, 1958
- Hungarian Cup Winner: 1952
- Mitropa Cup Winner: 1955
