Zoltn Gera is a name that echoes in the halls of Hungarian football, synonymous with lightning-quick moves, overhead kick goals, and a celebration that defies gravity – the cartwheel to backflip routine that has become an iconic part of his legacy.
Born on 22 April 1979, Gera's love affair with football began at a tender age. He started his professional journey with Harkny SE in 1996, before moving to Pcsi Mecsek FC in 1997. It was during his three-year stint with Pcsi Mecsek that Gera began to make a name for himself, making 87 appearances and scoring 16 goals.
In 2000, Gera made the switch to Ferencvros, one of Hungary's most storied clubs. It was here that he truly came into his own, playing 115 league games and scoring 32 goals. During his four-year spell, Gera won the Hungarian league title in 2001 and 2004, the Magyar Kupa in 2003 and 2004, and the Szuperkupa in 2004.
In 2004, Gera made the move to English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion, where he signed a three-year contract. It was during this period that Gera's reputation as a skilled midfielder began to spread, earning him his first international call-up to the Hungarian national team.
In 2008, Gera joined Fulham FC, where he would go on to make 125 appearances and score 20 goals. It was during this period that Gera's career truly took off, as he led Fulham to the Europa League quarterfinals in 2010, where he scored a stunning overhead kick goal against Juventus, earning him widespread acclaim.
Gera made his international debut for Hungary in 2002, but it was a tumultuous relationship. In 2009, he briefly retired from the national team following a dispute with then-manager Erwin Koeman. However, when Koeman was replaced by Sndor Egervri in 2010, Gera returned to the fold, eventually representing Hungary at the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
On 28 June 2018, Gera announced his retirement from professional football, leaving behind a legacy that is still revered in Hungarian football circles. With his unique celebration, electrifying plays, and unwavering dedication, Zoltn Gera will be remembered as one of Hungary's finest exports to the world of football.
99 Years Old
A legendary Hungarian footballer and manager who scored 746 goals in 629 games, leading his national team to the 1954 World Cup final and winning four Hungarian championships. He's a iconic figure in the sport, known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and innovative tactics.
Born in 1925
A Hungarian footballer and manager who won two Olympic titles and played in four World Cups, known for his exceptional skills and leadership on the pitch.
Born in 1922
A Hungarian football legend who revolutionized the sport with his innovative "deep-lying center-forward" position, leading his team to numerous victories and earning him a place in football history.
Born in 1926
A Hungarian goalkeeper who played in the Golden Team of the 1950s, known for his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, earning him a place in football history.
