Ferenc Hirzer was a prolific Hungarian striker who shone during the 1910s and 1920s, playing for multiple clubs across Europe in a memorable 22-year career. His most iconic spell came with Italian giants Juventus. Hirzer was also a key figure for Hungary, scoring 14 goals in 32 international appearances. He made his national team debut against Switzerland in June 1922 and later featured in the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he scored twice despite Hungary exiting in the second round. His standout achievement came in the 1927–30 Central European International Cup, where he finished as the competition’s top scorer, even though Hungary ended the tournament in fourth place.
Life Before Juventus
Hirzer began his career in 1913 with Budapest-based Törekvés SE, a club founded by railroad workers and one that gradually rose through the Hungarian League in the early 1920s. However, MTK Budapest dominated Hungarian football at the time, limiting Törekvés’ success. After nearly a decade with his hometown club, Hirzer moved to Czechoslovakia to join Makkabi Brno, and a year later he shifted to Germany to play for Union 03 Altona, helping them finish runners-up in the Norddeutsche Liga.
The Old Lady’s Hungarian Wizard
In 1925, Hirzer’s career took him from Germany to Italy, where he joined Juventus under fellow Hungarian manager Jenő Károly. He reunited with former Törekvés teammate József Viola and instantly made an impact. Hirzer scored a hat-trick on his debut against Parma in October 1925, setting the tone for a historic season. He led Juventus to their first Italian Football Championship title in 20 years, finishing the campaign with a staggering 35 goals in 24 matches. This tally remains the highest single-season scoring record for a Juventus player in the old Prima Divisione format.
Although the following season was less successful, with Juventus finishing third behind Torino and Bologna, Hirzer’s short spell was unforgettable. He left the club with an extraordinary return of 50 goals in 43 appearances, securing his place as one of Juventus’ earliest legends.
Post-Juventus Career
Hirzer returned to Hungary in 1927, signing for MTK Hungária. His final season as a player proved to be a perfect farewell, as MTK won the 1928–29 Hungarian League title. After retiring, he went back to Italy and became a manager, coaching several clubs until his passing. Ferenc Hirzer remains celebrated as one of Hungary’s forgotten greats and a historic figure who left a lasting imprint on Italian football.
