A versatile midfielder, Hanappi started his career at SC Wacker Wien, where he made his Bundesliga debut in 1947.

Deemed as Austria's biggest football talent, he then controversially moved to play for big city rivals Rapid Vienna from 1950 till 1965.

[2] He has held the national team appearances record until Anton Polster earned his 94th cap in June 1998.

One of the most highly regarded midfielders of his generation,[3] Hanappi was nominally a goalscoring wing half, however his versatility allowed him to successfully play in almost all positions.

He was also very intelligent with an excellent sense of anticipation which made him very useful in defensive duties, and also enabled him to make well timed runs in the box.