Words: Christos Kazantzoglou // @CKazantzoglou
In the long, often turbulent history of Hungarian football, few names resonate as deeply and as historically as Újpest FC. Recognized as the oldest active football club in Hungary, Újpest has endured and survived wars, regime changes, league restructures, and the shifting sands of European football politics. Yet the club has remained a pillar of tradition and resilience. Founded in the 19th century and having celebrated triumphs in both domestic and international competitions, Újpest’s legacy is rich, complex, and still unfolding.
The roots of Újpest FC stretch back to 1885, when a young Hungarian educator named János Goll established a sporting association in the then-independent town of Újpest, just north of Budapest. The new entity was named Újpesti Torna Egylet (Újpesti TE)—translated as Újpest Gymnastics Association—and it initially focused on general athletic development, with no dedicated football department.
Football, still in its infancy in much of continental Europe, would begin to spread in Hungary towards the end of the century. In 1899, influenced by the growing popularity of the game and the founding of clubs like MTK and Ferencváros, a dedicated football club, Újpesti Football Club, was formed. While still connected to Újpesti TE, it was the first clear step toward building a specialized football identity.
In 1901, the two Újpest organizations—the athletic and the football—merged under the common name Újpesti TE, streamlining their identity and ambitions. That same year, the Hungarian Football Federation officially launched the Second National Division (Nemzeti Bajnokság II). Újpest entered the league and began its climb through the ranks of Hungarian football.
During these early years, Újpest competed in the shadows of the dominant Budapest clubs, especially MTK and Ferencváros. But the foundations were laid: the team adopted its now-iconic purple and white colors, and built a loyal local fanbase. Újpest became a symbol of working-class pride for the rapidly industrializing northern suburbs of Budapest.
The interwar period marked the first true golden era of Újpest FC. In an age when Hungary was one of the football powerhouses of Europe, Újpest emerged as a central figure both domestically and internationally.
The double winning Újpest FC side of 1929-1930.
Photo Credit: Pes Miti del Calcio
Under the stewardship of tactically sophisticated managers and with a generation of gifted players, Újpest began to assert itself as a serious title contender. Between 1929 and 1939, the club won five Hungarian league titles—in 1929–30, 1930–31, 1932–33, 1934–35, and 1938–39. These victories established Újpest as a true rival to Ferencváros and MTK, threatening and ending their dominance of Hungarian football.
The team was known for its attacking flair, solid tactical organization, and its blend of technical and physical attributes—a style that mirrored the Hungarian national team's emerging "Danubian School" of football.
More notably, Újpest’s name became known across Europe thanks to its exploits in the Mitropa Cup, a forerunner to the European Cup and today’s UEFA Champions League. This Central European club tournament, first played in 1927, brought together top teams from Austria, Hungary, Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.
Újpest triumphed in 1929, becoming the first Hungarian club to win the prestigious trophy. They repeated the feat in 1939, cementing their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs in the pre-WWII era. These victories placed the club in football’s continental elite.
Újpest in the away tie versus Juventus, 1934 Central European Cup quarter-finals.
Photo Credit: WikiWand
World War II devastated Hungary. Újpest FC did not escape this, and like much of the country, faced years of turmoil and rebuilding. After the war, Hungary fell under Soviet influence, and the football landscape was transformed. Clubs were renamed, reorganized, and often brought under the control of trade unions, police forces, or government ministries.
During this period, Újpest was renamed Újpesti Dózsa, after György Dózsa, a 16th-century Hungarian peasant rebel co-opted as a folk hero by the communist regime. The club became associated with the police and security forces, much like Dynamo Moscow or Partizan Belgrade in their respective countries.
Despite the political upheaval, Újpest adapted and eventually thrived. While Ferencváros remained the people's team, Újpest grew as a state-backed powerhouse. The club began investing in youth development, building infrastructure, and signing top domestic talents.
The period between 1969 and 1979 is universally considered the definitive golden decade of Újpest’s history. Managed by forward-thinking coaches and featuring a core of Hungarian internationals, Újpest swept nearly every domestic competition they entered.
Between 1969 and 1975, the team won seven consecutive Hungarian championships—an unprecedented run of dominance. Legends such as László Fazekas, Ferenc Bene, Antal Dunai, and János Göröcs wore the purple and white, dazzling fans with their skill.
The club’s attacking play was devastating, often scoring 80+ goals in a season. They were not only winning titles but also redefining what Hungarian club football could be in the post-Puskás era.
Újpest’s golden generation wasn’t confined to Hungarian borders. The club made serious strides in European competitions. In 1969, they reached the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (later replaced by the UEFA Cup), only to be outclassed by Newcastle United with an aggregate score of 6–2. Then in 1973–74, they again reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, where they were narrowly beaten by Bayern Munich, who went on to win the tournament.
Though they never lifted a major UEFA trophy, Újpest’s presence in the final stages of European competitions signaled their importance on the continental stage.
Dorog v Újpest in the Hungarian League, 1977.
Photo Credit: Wikipedida
The 1980s saw the beginnings of decline. While Újpest still maintained its presence near the top of the Hungarian league, the dominance of the 1970s had faded. Political winds were shifting in Eastern Europe, and with the fall of communism in 1989, Hungarian football entered a new, uncertain phase.
Despite financial constraints and administrative instability, Újpest managed to clinch two league titles during this transitional period: The final championship of the socialist era in 1989-90, and a hard-earned title that showcased the club’s resilience amid a new capitalist sporting landscape in 1997-98
These successes, however, were isolated flashes. The Hungarian league was losing prominence, and Újpest—like many traditional Eastern European giants—was struggling to adapt to modern football economics.
One of the few bright spots in the 21st century has been Újpest’s success in the Hungarian Cup (Magyar Kupa). The team has lifted the trophy four times in the modern era. These victories provided much-needed relief for fans and helped maintain the club’s prestige, while also cementing their reputation as somewhat of a cup team.
However, Újpest has faced numerous challenges in recent decades, while financial instability and ownership issues have hampered long-term planning. There is a growing disconnect between the club’s management and its traditionally passionate fanbase which has sparked repeated protests.
The changing demographics of Újpest district and gentrification have also altered the club’s cultural footprint. But most importantly and perhaps devastatingly for Újpest, the emergence of well-funded clubs like MOL Fehérvár and Kisvárda, as well as the continued dominance of Ferencváros, has made success elusive.
Újpest supporters in the Budapest derby against Ferencváros.
Photo Credit: Zsolt Reti
Despite these setbacks, Újpest has remained in the top tier of Hungarian football throughout its history—a record very few clubs in Central Europe can boast.
In recognition of its historic status, Újpest FC has been formally acknowledged by the Club of Pioneers, an international network that honors the world’s oldest football clubs still in operation. This designation affirms Újpest’s foundational role in shaping football in Hungary and Central Europe. The club's Szusza Ferenc Stadium, named after one of its greatest ever players, stands as a monument to this tradition
Today, Újpest FC is at a crossroads. The club is neither a fading relic nor a revived powerhouse—it exists somewhere in between. Its history is filled with glory, its trophy cabinet still glittering with relics of past triumphs. But the present demands more.
Can Újpest recapture its lost aura in an age of commercialized football and global investment? Can it rebuild a competitive squad while preserving its traditions? Can it remain relevant in a Budapest increasingly dominated by the green of Ferencváros?
These are questions only time can answer. What is certain, however, is that Újpest FC is much more than a football club. It is an institution. A living link between the past and the future of Hungarian football. A symbol of resilience, identity, and pride.
Újpest players salute their supporters during the Budapest derby.
Photo Credit: Zsolt Reti