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Ladislao Kubala Stecz (June 10, 1927 - May 17, 2002), also referred to as Kubala László or Ladislav Kubala, was a Slovak-Hungarian footballer and manager who played as a forward with various European clubs including Ferencváros TC, ŠK Slovan Bratislava, Vasas SC, FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol. He also played for three different national teams, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Spain, as well as the Europe XI and the Catalan XI. During the 1950s he was a leading member of the successful FC Barcelona team. During his playing career with that club he scored 256 goals in 329 appearances. In 1999, during the club's centenary celebrations, a fans' poll declared him the best player ever to play for the club. After retiring as a player he began a career as coach. He had two spells as coach of FC Barcelona and he also coached both the senior Spain national team and the Spain Olympic Team.A striker with great passing qualities, Kubala also had an uncommon dribbling ability, combining pace and skill in such degree that it has prompted latter day comparisons with the play of Diego Maradona. Kubala's composure in finishing, and power when striking for goal were also highly renowned. Also, he was one of history's greatest free kick specialists, able to bend the ball with pace and accuracy. >> By WikiPedia
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