József Verebes (23 March 1941 – 13 March 2016) was a Hungarian football player and manager whose career spanned several decades in domestic football. Born in Budapest, Verebes began his involvement in the sport as a player in the early 1960s and later became better known for his coaching work at multiple levels of the Hungarian game. Contemporary accounts note his long-standing presence in Hungarian football circles and his return to hands-on and advisory roles late in life. See a basic profile: biography.

Playing career

Verebes's recorded playing career was brief and concentrated in the early 1960s. He appeared for Ferencvárosi TC between 1961 and 1962, a period during which many players either established themselves or moved into other roles in the sport. The limited available records emphasize that he transitioned away from top-level playing into coaching and team development relatively early, a path followed by several professionals of his generation.

Managerial career

After ending his playing days, Verebes built a lengthy coaching résumé with a variety of Hungarian clubs. The highlight of his national recognition came in 1987, when he served as manager of the Hungary national football team. His club work continued for many years afterwards at different levels, combining first-team duties with developmental and advisory positions. In October 2010 he took charge of Nagytétény SE, a local Budapest championship side, demonstrating his willingness to remain active in grassroots football late in his career.

In 2011 Verebes accepted an advisory role with Rába ETO, a club with which he had established historic ties. That appointment reflected a common later-career progression for experienced coaches: moving from daily training responsibilities toward mentoring, talent evaluation and institutional guidance within clubs.

Legacy and later life

Verebes is remembered within Hungary for his decades-long involvement in the national game rather than for a single defining trophy or international distinction. His presence in both professional and amateur settings underscores a broader contribution to player development and club continuity. Observers have noted his commitment to working with teams at different levels, from national selections to local championship sides.

In his final years he remained a respected figure in Hungarian football communities. József Verebes died in Budapest on 13 March 2016 from complications related to a stroke; reports of his passing were carried by national media at the time and are summarized in retrospective pieces: reports of his death. His spell as national team manager is recorded in historical lists of Hungary's coaches: national team record.

Notable facts

  • Born and active in Budapest, Verebes's career connected both elite clubs and local teams.
  • Played for Ferencvárosi TC in 1961–1962 before moving into coaching.
  • Served as Hungary's national team manager in 1987.
  • Continued to coach and advise clubs, including Nagytétény SE (2010) and Rába ETO (adviser, 2011).