Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szoboszlai: Rising Star in European Football

Personal Background

Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈsoboslɒi]) is a professional Hungarian footballer born on October 25, 2000, in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. Standing at 182 cm, Szoboszlai is known for his versatility, exceptional vision, and precise free-kick abilities. He currently plays as a midfielder for Liverpool FC in the English Premier League and represents the Hungary national team as one of its leading figures.

Club Career

Lievering (2017–2018)

Szoboszlai began his professional career with Lievering, the reserve team for Red Bull Salzburg, competing in Austria's second division. He made his debut on July 21, 2017, against Kapfenberg and scored his first professional goal on August 4, 2017, against Blau-Weiß Linz. In 42 matches, he netted 16 goals, showcasing his potential as a dynamic midfielder.

Red Bull Salzburg (2018–2021)

Szoboszlai joined Red Bull Salzburg and made his first-team debut in May 2018. He quickly became a pivotal player for the team:

• Domestic Success:
  He won multiple Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup.
• Champions League Debut:
  Szoboszlai played his first UEFA Champions League match on September 17, 2019, against Genk, scoring a goal in a 6–2 victory.
• Individual Recognition:
  In the 2019–20 season, he scored 9 goals and delivered 14 assists in 27 league appearances, earning the Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Season award. His hat-trick against Sturm Graz in June 2020 remains a career highlight.

RB Leipzig (2021–2023)

Szoboszlai transferred to RB Leipzig in Germany's Bundesliga in January 2021. He contributed significantly to the team’s midfield:

• Played 62 league matches, scoring 12 goals.
• Won the DFB-Pokal twice (2022, 2023).

Liverpool (2023–Present)

In July 2023, Szoboszlai signed with Liverpool FC for €70 million, marking one of the highest-profile moves in his career. He quickly adapted to the Premier League, scoring 3 goals in his first 27 appearances and earning praise for his energy and creativity in midfield.

International Career

Youth Success

• Under-17:
  Szoboszlai captained Hungary in the 2017 UEFA U-17 Championship in Croatia, scoring twice and helping the team finish sixth.
• Under-19 & Under-21:
  He continued his development, representing Hungary in various youth competitions.

Senior Team

• Made his senior debut on March 21, 2019, in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia.
• Key Moments:
  • Scored his first senior international goal from a stunning free kick against Slovakia.
  • Net another free kick in Hungary’s 1–0 victory over Turkey in the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League.
  • Delivered a last-minute winner against Iceland in the Euro 2020 playoffs, securing Hungary’s qualification for the tournament.

To date, Szoboszlai has earned over 40 caps for Hungary, scoring 12 goals and establishing himself as the team’s captain and leader.

Playing Style and Impact

Dominik Szoboszlai is celebrated for his:

• Playmaking Ability: Exceptional passing range and vision.
• Dead-Ball Expertise: Renowned for his free kicks and set pieces.
• Leadership: A natural leader on and off the pitch, highlighted by his captaincy for the national team.

Career Statistics

Club:

• Lievering: 42 matches, 16 goals.
• Red Bull Salzburg: 56 matches, 16 goals.
• RB Leipzig: 62 matches, 12 goals.
• Liverpool: 27 matches, 3 goals (as of November 2024).

International:

• Hungary (senior): 40 caps, 12 goals.

Achievements

• Club Titles:
  • Austrian Bundesliga (multiple).
  • Austrian Cup (multiple).
  • DFB-Pokal (2022, 2023).
• Individual Honors:
  • Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Season (2019–20).