Josef Masopust

Josef Masopust was a Czech footballer who played as a midfielder for the Czechoslovakia national team and a number of clubs, including Dukla Prague and Crossing Molenbeek. Born in 1931 in Strimice, Czechoslovakia, Masopust began his football career playing for a local team in his hometown.

He quickly established himself as a talented player, and in 1952 he was signed by Dukla Prague, one of the most successful clubs in Czechoslovakian football history. Masopust played for Dukla Prague for 13 seasons, helping the team win eight league titles and three cup titles. His performances on the field also earned him a call-up to the Czechoslovakia national team, where he quickly established himself as a key player.

Masopust's skill, vision, and work rate on the field made him one of the best midfielders of his generation. He was a creative playmaker who could both score goals and set up his teammates, and his ability to read the game and control the tempo of matches made him a crucial player for both club and country.

In 1962, Masopust led the Czechoslovakia national team to the final of the World Cup, where they faced Brazil. Although they ultimately lost the match 3-1, Masopust's performances throughout the tournament earned him the accolade of being named in the All-Star Team for the tournament.

After leaving Dukla Prague in 1968, Masopust went on to play for a number of other clubs, including Crossing Molenbeek in Belgium. He retired from playing in 1970 and went on to become a successful coach, leading the Czechoslovakia national team to the quarter-finals of the 1982 World Cup.