Ferencváros Embarks on 122nd Competitive Campaign

Ferencváros Embarks on 122nd Competitive Campaign

Ferencvárosi Torna Club kicks off its 122nd competitive season and 17th straight year in Hungary’s top flight, the Nemzeti Bajnokság I, entering as seven-time reigning champions. Under manager Robbie Keane, the squad is rapidly taking shape ahead of domestic and European action.

Manager & Leadership

• Robbie Keane, appointed on January 6, 2025, continues to lead the squad. Under his guidance last season, Fradi secured a record-breaking 7–0 win over Nyíregyháza, triumphed in the Budapest derby, and secured the league title.
• Club chairman Gábor Kubatov supports the strategic vision to sustain European and domestic dominance.

Pre‑Season Transfers & Squad Strengthening

• Major arrivals this summer include:
  • Cadu from Viktoria Plzeň
  • Bence Ötvös (Paks)
  • Barnabás Nagy (Nyíregyháza)
  • Daniel Arzani (Melbourne Victory)
  • Jonathan Levi (Puskás Akadémia)
  • Toon Raemaekers (Mechelen)
  • Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City).
• The youth ranks also showed promise, with key youth players like Dénes Dibusz and Ádám Varga featured in early squad lists.

Departures include Matheus Saldanha and Eldar Ćivić, opening room for fresh talent .

Pre‑Season Performances

• Competed in training camps across Mezőkövesd and Lienz:
  • 4–0 win vs. Mezőkövesd
  • 2–1 win vs. Karlsruher SC (goals by Keita & Sevikjan)
  • 1–0 win vs. Zlín (Zachariassen goal).

Season Goals

1. League Retention: Looking to secure an unprecedented 8th consecutive national title.
2. Magyar Kupa Redemption: After a 1–1 draw and penalty shootout loss to Paks in May, the club aims to reclaim the Cup.
3. European Ambitions: Begin with Champions League qualifiers:
   • Second Qualifying Round: Facing FC Noah on July 22 in Abovyan, Armenia; home leg will follow July 30 at Groupama Arena.

Early Season Fixture Outlook

• Champions League Q2: July 22 vs. Noah (away); July 30 home leg .
• NB I Matchday 1: Season opener at MTK Budapest on July 26.
• First home league fixture: early August against Kazincbarcikai SC.

Squad & Stats Snapshot

• Current NB I record stands at 0–0–0, pending first round of matches.
• Latest match: Resounding 2–1 win over Győr in a friendly.
• First official league match: July 26 at MTK Budapest.

Outlook & Perspective

Robbie Keane’s successful interim season—marked by derby dominance and title defense—sets high expectations. With a blend of seasoned internationals and fresh talent, Ferencváros appears well poised to challenge on multiple fronts:

• Europa: Qualify through Champions League CL and possibly group stages.
• National Glory: Aim for “double” by securing both league and Magyar Kupa.
• Club Strategy: Emphasis on youth development, squad rejuvenation, and sustained European competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

• Next week: UEFA Champions League qualifier vs. FC Noah.
• July 26: NB I campaign begins against MTK Budapest.
• Summer window: Remains open for further signings or departures as European hopes hinge on squad depth.

In Summary

Ferencváros enter the 2025–26 season in familiar territory—ambitious, confident, and well-equipped. Secure in domestic success, their real test lies abroad. As Robbie Keane builds on momentum, the summer months will prove pivotal for shaping a potentially historic campaign.