IV. kerület

Nestled along the Danube River, the IV. kerület, also known as Újpest, holds a legacy that echoes the triumphs and struggles of Hungarian football. IV. kerület is more than just a district. It is the home of Újpest FC, a club whose history intertwines with the very fabric of Hungarian football. Founded in 1885 as Újpesti Torna Egylet, the club began its journey as a general athletic club, embracing gymnastics and fencing. Its motto, “Soundness, Strength, Harmony,” foreshadowed the club’s future prowess on the football field. In 1899, a separate football club emerged in Újpest, sharing the same purple and white colors. A year later, these two entities merged, solidifying the football division of Újpesti TE. IV. kerület witnessed Újpest FC rise through the ranks, joining the second division of the Hungarian League and quickly ascending to the first division in 1904. The club has remained a steadfast presence in the top flight ever since, with only a brief relegation in the 1911-12 season. IV. kerület’s Szusza Ferenc Stadion, Újpest FC’s home ground since 1922, has been a silent witness to countless victories and heartbreaks. Originally named Megyeri úti stadion, it was renamed in 2003 to honor the legendary Ferenc Szusza, a name synonymous with Újpest FC. Szusza, whose career spanned from 1941 to 1960, holds the club records for most games played (462) and top goalscorer (392). He became an iconic figure, embodying the spirit and dedication that defined Újpest FC. Another prominent figure in Újpest FC’s history is Gyula Zsengellér, who played for the club from 1936 to 1947. Though his time at Újpest was shorter than Szusza’s, Zsengellér’s impact was undeniable. His impressive performances in the 1938 World Cup, where he was the second-highest scorer, cemented his place in Hungarian football history. The IV. kerület witnessed Újpest FC’s golden eras, the first in the 1930s with five league titles, and the second, even more spectacularly, in the 1970s. During this period, under the name Újpesti Dózsa SC, the club claimed an astonishing seven consecutive league titles from 1969 to 1975. This era, led by manager Lajos Baróti, produced a formidable attacking formation, Fazekas – Göröcs – Bene – Dunai II – Zámbó, that became a nightmare for opposing defenses. Their achievements extended beyond domestic borders, reaching the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 and the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1974, where their journey was halted by the eventual champions, Bayern Munich. Újpest FC, a club deeply rooted in IV. kerület, has left an enduring mark on Hungarian football. Their story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to the passion for the sport that thrives in the heart of Budapest.