© iconsport.photo – legendary football player celebrating the title
Today 09:43 –
On November 11, 1987, Mark Hughes became a hero not only in football history, but also a story of courage and perseverance. The talented striker, then a Manchester United player, became the first player to play two competitive matches in two different countries in one day.
Hughes’ incredible football odyssey began in the early evening in Prague, where he represented Wales in a European Championship qualifier against Czechoslovakia. This contest was crucial for Wales, although they ended up losing 2–0. Hughes played the entire game and after the referee’s final whistle was blown, he was transferred to a Lada car, still in his football kit, and taken to the airport. Without a chance to warm up or shower, Hughes set off on the next part of his unusual adventure.
On board the plane, he changed into the jersey of Bayern Munich, the team he played for on loan from Barcelona. His goal? Taking the field in the second match of the day in the German Cup against Borussia Monchengladbach. These decisions were not only about Hughes’ footballing skills, but also about the logistical support provided by Uli Hoeness, the president of Bayern Munich.
Aboard a green Porsche, Hughes and Hoeness arrived at the Olympic Stadium midway through the match, with Bayern trailing 1–0. Hughes entered the field in the 60th minute despite already being physically exhausted from the previous match. However, his arrival turned the fate of the match around. Lothar Matthaus equalized and Michael Rummenigge, younger brother of the more famous Karl-Heinz, scored twice in extra time to give Bayern a 3-1 victory.
In an interview with the UTD podcast, Hughes recalled this incredible experience. He admitted that although he appeared to be a hero, he was actually exhausted and doubting what he was doing. However, the whole world remembers this day as a unique moment in the history of football, when one player overcame a seemingly insurmountable time and physical limit.
Mark Hughes has shown that exceptional players are capable of pushing boundaries, and his courage and commitment to football remain unmatched.
petr magasanik / sportbible.com
