"The name of Puskas is linked forever with the great triumphs at home and abroad of Real Madrid and especially the European Cup," the club said in a statement posted on its website.

"While expressing our deep sadness over his death, Real wants to thank a player who did so much for the club with his unmatched footballing talent and his great character."

Club chairman Ramon Calderon said it had been the most painful day for him since he took over the presidency.

"He had many friends and was a man liked by everyone, admired as a professional and a person," Calderon said.

"I will remember his goals with much affection, he was the pichichi (top scorer in Spain) on four occasions.

"The Madrid fans in general, and those of my age in particular, will feel a great emptiness for the loss of one our childhood heroes. I want to send a big hug to his all of his family and friends in these very painful moments."

The Hungarian-born legend spent his greatest years at Real Madrid where alongside Alfredo di Stefano he formed one of the deadliest duos in the history of football.

In all Puskas scored 512 goals for Real in 528 games between 1958 and 1967 and in 1962 he took out Spanish citizenship in order to play for his adopted country in the World Cup finals of that year.

The German Football Federation (DFB) called Puskas "the best left-footer in football."

"The genial captain of the golden Hungarian national side of the 1950s was one of the all-time great characters of international football," DFB chairman Theo Zwanziger said.

"Our memories of him are of course closely linked in with the legendary World Cup final of 1954," he added referring to West Germany's upset 3-2 win over the Hungarians in the final of that year.

In Italy, former midfield supremo Gianni Rivera praised the power and skill of Puskas.

"I only played one match against him, but he was very at ease in all aspects of the attacking game and he colluded so well with Di Stefano because they saw the game the same way," he said.

Former England international Jimmy Hill told Sky Sports that at times Puskas could take your breath away with his skill and imagination.

"It was just quite staggering," he said.

"He wasn't six foot and the most athletic footballer you've ever seen. He didn't stand out as a figure on the field except when the ball came to him. In England we didn't have players of that calibre."