Biro, Gyula

Sport:
soccer

Country Represented:
Hungary

Years Competed:
1912

Olympic Info:
A halfback, Biro was a member of Hungary's 1912 Olympic squad alongside Jewish stars Bela Sebestyen and Antal Vago. After losing their initial match to England (7-0), Hungary defeated Germany, 3-1, in the consolation bracket (Germany had two Jewish players, Julius Hirsch and Gottfried Fuchs). In the consolation final, Hungary defeated Austria, 3-0, to finish in fifth place overall. Biro played in two of Hungary's three games in the tournament (he did not play against Germany).

Career Highlights:
Considered one of the greatest Hungarian soccer players in history, Biro was a member of the National team in the 1900s and 1910s as a halfback. After making his international debut in 1906 at the age of 16, Biro won 36 caps (appearances) and scored three goals during his stellar international career. According to Andrew Handler in From the Ghetto to the Games, Biro possessed a seemingly endless amount of energy and had brilliant technique.

During his career, Biro was also a star in the Hungarian League for MTK Budapest (founded in 1888) and helped his club win the league title in 1908. Although they captured the Hungarian Cup in 1910, 1911, and 1912, they would not win the league again until 1914. The league did not play in 1915 or 1916 due to World War I, and when it resumed in 1917, MTK won the next nine league championships.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1890 - d. unknown

Origin:
Hungary

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