The Forgotten Cup

This book explores the Mitropa Cup, a prestigious inter-war football tournament, and its forgotten heroes, showcasing a significant era in European football history.

The Mitropa Cup served as the inter-war equivalent of today's Champions League, emerging from the tensions of a politically charged era. This prestigious tournament showcased the top European football teams of the time, many of which have since faded into obscurity. The Forgotten Cup invites readers to rediscover the remarkable history and significance of this competition, which played a vital role in shaping European football during a tumultuous period.

The Forgotten Cup narrates the vibrant story of the Mitropa Cup, a tournament that determined the champions of Europe through intense round-robin matches. Dominated by elite teams from Italy and the Danube region, including Austria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, the competition held a prominent place alongside the inaugural World Cup in 1930. The book highlights the legendary players of the era, such as Matthias Sindelar, Giuseppe Meazza, and Josef Bican, whose contributions to the sport are often overlooked in contemporary discussions.

Through engaging storytelling, The Forgotten Cup transports readers back to a time when football was evolving into a professional sport, shaped by the political and social dynamics of the day. The narrative not only celebrates the athletic prowess of these forgotten stars but also reflects on the broader historical context that influenced their careers and the sport itself. This book is a heartfelt homage to an era and its icons, ensuring their legacies are not lost to time.