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Witness History: The Hungarian footballer executed for love

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The Hungarian footballer executed for love

25/01/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The Hungarian footballer executed for love

Sándor Szűcs was hanged for trying to escape communist Hungary with his lover

Defender Sándor Szűcs was hanged for trying to escape communist Hungary with his lover, Erzsi Kovács. His death in 1951 was a warning to other sports stars thinking of defecting.

The Magnificent Magyars were Hungary’s golden football team of the 1950s.

But behind their shine lay a dark secret.

In 1951, defender Sándor Szűcs was executed for trying to defect from the communist regime.

The married centre-back had wanted to leave Hungary with his lover, singer Erzsi Kovács, who was also married.

The pair had been told to end their illicit relationship or face imprisonment.

They were arrested near the border after being set up by a double agent.

This programme has been made by Vicky Farncombe, using an interview Erzsi gave in 2011 to Hungarian journalist Endre Kadarkai on the Arckép programme, on Zuglo TV.

(Photo: Sándor Szűcs. Credit: Arcanum/Nemzeti Sport)

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