They were defeated in their debut match, losing 2–1 to AK Szombathely on August 21, 1920, but were motivated by a crowd of over 2,000 fans.

However, the start of World War II under the regime of Admiral Miklós Horthy saw ZTE's field and equipment confiscated.

[3][4] Krisztián Kenesei and Gábor Egressy were the key figures of the title-winning team by scoring 37 goals.

In the second leg Zagreb was winning by 2–0 when in the 87th minute Zalaegerszeg was awarded a penalty which was converted by Flórián Urbán.

In the first leg, ZTE provided a stunning shock by winning 1–0 with a last minute goal from Béla Koplárovics.

[9] At the end of the season the club finished third securing a place in the European competitions of the Intertoto Cup 2007.

[11] In the 2010–11 season Zalaegerszeg was competing for the Europa League position with Budapest rivals Ferencváros but ZTE finished fourth and could not secure a place for the qualifiers.

The first half of the 2011–12 Hungarian League season was a nightmare for the club since they finished last gaining only 6 points without any victories.

Before the 2020-21 Nemzeti Bajnokság I season it was rumoured that former PSV Eindhoven and Hungary national football team star Balázs Dzsudzsák would be signed by the club.

[18] On 19 October 2022, Zalaegerszeg beat Kazincbarcikai SC 2–0 at the Kolorcity Aréna in the round of 32 of the Magyar Kupa.

[19] On 8 February 2023, Zalaegerszeg beat Békéscsaba 1912 Előre 2–0 at the Kórház utcai Stadion in the round of 16 of the Magyar Kupa.

[26][27] Since Zalaegerszeg won the Magyar Kupa they were eligible to enter the second qualifying round of the 2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League season.

The following table shows in detail Zalaegerszegi TE kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors by year: Zalaegerszeg play their matches in the ZTE Arena.

Due to the increased attention Zalaegerszeg played their 2002–03 UEFA Champions League match against Manchester United at the Ferenc Puskás Stadium.

[39] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.