Ten years without Josef Masopust: The Czech football legend lives on
Ten years ago, Josef Masopust, Ballon d'Or winner, World Cup finalist, and one of Czechoslovakia’s greatest footballers, passed away. He was known for his skills, intelligence, and fairness on the pitch.
It’s now ten years since Josef Masopust, one of Czechoslovakia’s greatest footballers, died. He remains the only Czech to win the Ballon d’Or (1962), played in a World Cup final, and earned respect worldwide for his elegant style and sportsmanship.
Born in 1931 in the small village of Střimice, Masopust worked his way up to become a star for Dukla Prague and the national team. He wasn’t the quickest player, but he understood the game deeply and played with intelligence and grace.
His coach Jaroslav Vejvoda famously said, “If you don’t know what to do with the ball, pass it to Masopust.”
Masopust’s talent stood out even behind the Iron Curtain. His 1962 Ballon d’Or was proof that world-class quality could not be overlooked. In 2000, he was voted Czech Footballer of the Century, ahead of icons like Plánička, Bican, and Panenka, though he humbly said he would have given the title to Bican.
His dribbling wasn’t flashy; it was fluid and purposeful. In Mexico, he scored a key goal against Santos. In the 1962 World Cup final, he put the ball past Brazil. Pelé once said, “He played like a Brazilian, but he was also a gentleman. That made him special.”
Masopust’s legacy is also defined by how he played. During one World Cup match, he refused to exploit an injured Pelé, a moment that even Pelé remembered with admiration: “That’s something you never forget.”
After retiring, Masopust became a respected coach. He led Zbrojovka Brno to a league title, managed the national team, and coached abroad in Belgium and Indonesia. In 2004, FIFA included him among the 125 greatest living footballers.
Today, statues in Prague and his hometown honour him. But perhaps his greatest legacy is the memory of a player who proved that true greatness lies not just in winning, but in the way the game is played.
Josef Masopust's Greatest Achievements:
- Ballon d'Or winner (1962)
- World Cup finalist with Czechoslovakia (1962, Chile)
- European Championship bronze medallist (1960)
- Eight-time Czechoslovak league champion with Dukla Prague
- 63 international appearances, 10 goals for Czechoslovakia
- Voted Czech Footballer of the Century (2000)
- Named among FIFA’s 125 greatest living players (2004)
- Honoured with statues in Prague and his birthplace
