CGC Certifies High-grade Vintage Rarity of Hungarian Soccer Legend Ferenc Puskas

Before the world knew of soccer superstars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, and even Pelé, there was one player who stood above all others, becoming arguably the first-ever household name in the sport: Ferenc Puskas. Recently, an example of the earliest official card of his career, which is considered Puskas' true rookie card, was submitted to CGC for authentication and grading. The incredibly rare 1946-47 Nannina Tecnicolor Ferenc Puskas - Hand Cut rookie card earned an impressive grade of CGC 9, making this particular example likely worth tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.

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Part of a multi-sport set released as inserts in Italian print media after the conclusion of World War II, the 1946-47 Nannina Tecnicolor set features several early soccer stars of the era, highlighted by the rookie cards of young stars Valentino Mazzola and Ferenc Puskas. Although the non-traditional set heavily focuses on soccer players from Italy's Serie A division, it also features other famous athletes of the time, including soccer stars from other countries (like Puskas), as well as cyclists, race car drivers, and others.

Historically, in Italy, newspapers would occasionally print physical copies of special issues outside of their regular schedule. These popular issues were called "edizione straordinaria," which stands for "special edition." Cards from the 1946-47 Nannina Tecnicolor set were inserted into these special editions, and collectors had to hand-cut the cards they wanted to keep from sheets or panels included in these special issues.

The small-sized cards that resemble a stamp feature a player portrait on a solid-color background, surrounded by a simple border and the player's name at the bottom. They also feature a blank back, with no card set name, card numbers, production year, player bio, or any other identifying information.

The Puskas rookie card from the set is understandably rare considering its age, format, and origin. After eight decades, cards from the 1946-47 Nannina Tecnicolor set are hard to find, especially since collectors had to cut the cards out themselves. Surviving copies today are few and far between, with only a small number of examples of the Puskas rookie cards ever graded by third-party certification services. The age and rarity combined with a legendary athlete like Puskas confirm these rookie cards as true vintage treasures of the hobby.

An Icon of the Sport

Widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time, Puskas became the sport's first international superstar. He began his iconic career playing for the youth team of Kispest Honved before moving to Budapest Honved in 1943, where he started to make a name for himself as a teenager. By the late 1940s, Puskas was already the top scorer in the Hungarian League in four different seasons. In 1948, he became the top goal scorer in all of Europe at only 21 years old.

The world-class attacker would go on to become one of the most prolific goal scorers ever. In what almost seems like a clerical error, Puskas scored more goals than his total games played: Out of 792 official matches played for club and country, he totaled an astounding 802 goals, meaning he averaged more than one goal per game. An absolute rarity in the sport and a goal scoring record that elevates the attacker into rarified air.

Puskas later signed for iconic Spanish club Real Madrid, where he eventually ended his pro career in 1966 before becoming a manager. Throughout his incredible career, he won almost every trophy possible, earning three European Cups with Real Madrid, 10 league titles (five in Hungary and five in Spain), became an Olympic champion in 1952, and led his Hungary to the 1954 World Cup final, losing to West Germany, 3-2.

Puskas has been recognized on numerous lists as one of the greatest players of all time and is universally known as the greatest Hungarian soccer player ever. For his contributions to the sport, he has received numerous honors, including Budapest's most prominent stadium being named after him (Puskas Arena). In 2009, FIFA introduced the FIFA Puskas Award, which is awarded to the player who scores the "most beautiful goal" each calendar year.

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