István Halász (12 October 1951 – 4 June 2016) was a Hungarian professional footballer known primarily for his role as a central midfielder. Born in Hungary, Halász developed into a reliable club player and earned recognition at the national level during the 1970s. His career bridged domestic competition and international tournaments.

Club career

Halász spent the bulk of his playing years with FC Tatabánya, a team with a strong regional reputation in Hungary. At club level he was regarded as a steady presence in midfield, helping to organize play and link defense with attack. Contemporary reports described him as disciplined and team-oriented rather than a flamboyant playmaker.

International career

He was selected for the Hungary national squad and was part of the team that travelled to the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina. Participation in that tournament marked the high point of his international visibility and placed him among Hungary's representatives on football's biggest stage. Further details about his international appearances can be found on many player records and profile pages: player profile, Hungary national team.

Playing style and role

As a midfielder, Halász's responsibilities typically included ball distribution, retaining possession, and helping to defend when the team lost the ball. Accounts from team-mates and coaches emphasized his work rate and positional sense. For general context on the midfield role in football see midfielder and for broader sport information see football.

Legacy and notable facts

Halász is remembered for steady service to his club and for representing Hungary on the World Cup stage. He passed away in June 2016, and retrospectives note his place among the generation of Hungarian players who kept the national game competitive in the decades after the country's earlier golden era. For tournament specifics refer to the 1978 event: 1978 FIFA World Cup.

Quick facts:

  • Born: 12 October 1951
  • Died: 4 June 2016
  • Main club: FC Tatabánya
  • International highlight: 1978 FIFA World Cup squad member