YOUNG TALENTS FROM WORLD-FAMOUS FOOTBALL CLUBS CLASH

FOR THE 17TH PUSKÁS-SUZUKI CUP

In parallel with the foundation of Puskás Akadémia back in 2007, a plan was also born to bring together the U17 teams of our namesake, Ferenc Puskás’s former clubs, in order to compete in a prestigious youth tournament. This initiative led to the creation of the Puskás-Suzuki Cup in 2008, gaining international fame over the past decade and a half and providing the fans who attended the tournament with many unforgettable matches.

Memorable sporting moments can be expected once more this year between 1 and 5 May at the 17th Puskás-Suzuki Cup! In addition to host Puskás Akadémia’s youth team, the prestigious youth event will also feature the talents of two of the clubs Ferenc Puskás served as a player: Budapest Honvéd and the U17s of the current record holders, six-time tournament winners Real Madrid. Also in the running for the cup are Greek side Panathinaikos (whose senior team Puskás coached to the 1971 European Champion Club’s Cup final), regularly participating Portuguese side Sporting CP and the youth team of Belgian KRC Genk. Italian record champions Juventus will be back for a second time, while the youngsters from Czech club Slavia Praha will be competing for the first time.

GROUP DIVISIONS:

The bronze medal match and the final will take place in Pancho Aréna, as has always been the case since its inauguration in 2014. The matches will be broadcast live on national sports channel M4 Sport. The group matches and the qualifying rounds will be streamed online on the Puskás Akadémia Youtube channel. We will keep you up to date on the tournament events on our website (www.puskasakademia.hu).

The matches are free of charge, everyone is welcome!

PROGRAMME:

Lőrinc Mészáros, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Puskás Akadémia Foundation:

“Since 2008, the Puskás-Suzuki Cup has been one of the outstanding youth tournaments in international football, bringing together U17 teams from almost every major footballing nation in Europe to compete. This tournament not only helps to develop young talent, but also preserves and carries on the legacy of Ferenc Puskás.

Uncle Öcsi was not only one of the greatest footballers in the world, but also a role model whose dedication, sportsmanship and love of the game are still an inspiration to young generations. It is in this spirit that the Puskás-Suzuki Cup is held: it is not only about winning, but also about respecting each other, developing and cherishing the traditions of Hungarian football.

Special thanks go to Magyar Suzuki Zrt., which has been committed to supporting this prestigious youth tournament for many years. With their help, the Cup can be held at a high standard year after year, helping to further develop Hungarian football and creating and providing further opportunities for future talent.”

Róbert Krisztián, Deputy CEO of Magyar Suzuki Zrt:

“Football has always been more than a game. It’s not just goals scored on the pitch, but also friendships, team spirit and the will to fight. A tournament like the Puskás-Suzuki Cup is the perfect opportunity for future stars to show what they are made of, to inspire and to experience a lifetime of football.”

Puskás Akadémia Club and Academy Director Balázs Tóth:

“Every year, the Puskás-Suzuki Cup brings together the best young footballers from around the world. The participating teams are the best youth teams from around the world, with the tournament providing an exceptional experience for players and fans alike. The event is now more than just an international tournament, as the club teams have developed a partnership and friendship over the years, but there are also newcomers every year. The Puskás-Suzuki Cup attracts huge interest year after year, with exciting matches, beautiful goals and spectacular moves.”

Márton Kiss, head coach of the Puskás Akadémia U17 team:  

“It is a great pleasure to be able to organise the Puskás-Suzuki Cup again this year, and we would like to thank everyone who makes it possible for our players to participate in such a high quality tournament. It is a great opportunity for the boys to gain experience and it is a great moment to be able to compete against top European teams of similar age. At the same time, it provides good feedback for all of us about where we are and highlights the players who can cope with more pressure, even at international level. Our aim is to play every match according to our own game and training philosophy, and thereby to take the children one step further in their development. We will do our best to ensure that this is reflected in the results.”