Dominik Szoboszlai Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 28, 2025
Dominik Szoboszlai has not only fulfilled the promise that once labeled him a “golden generation” hope but has emerged as one of Liverpool FC’s most influential players and a beacon of modern midfield excellence.
From his early days in Budapest to captaining his national team and orchestrating play at Anfield, Szoboszlai’s journey is a story of resilience, precision, and leadership.
Then: The Early Years – A Talent Forged in Hungary (2000–2021)
1. Humble Beginnings in Hungary
Born on October 25, 2000, in Budapest, Hungary, Dominik Szoboszlai grew up in a football-loving family. His father, a former amateur player, introduced him to the game early. At age 6, he joined MTK Budapest’s youth academy, one of Hungary’s most storied clubs.
Despite MTK’s financial struggles, Szoboszlai’s talent shone through. Coaches praised his technical finesse, vision, and maturity beyond his years. By 14, he was training with the senior squad.
2. Move to RB Salzburg – The Making of a Star
In 2015, at just 15 years old, Szoboszlai made a bold move to Red Bull Academy in Salzburg, Austria, joining the club’s renowned youth system. This marked the beginning of his professional transformation.
He made his senior debut for FC Liefering (Salzburg’s feeder team) in 2017 and was promoted to RB Leipzig’s reserve team in 2018. However, it was at FC Red Bull Salzburg—where he returned in 2018—that he exploded onto the European stage.
3. Salzburg Stardom (2018–2022)
At Salzburg, Szoboszlai became a dominant force:
- Scored 34 goals and 39 assists in 129 appearances
- Captained the team at just 20 years old
- Led Salzburg to four consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles
- Shined in the UEFA Champions League, including a goal against Liverpool in 2019
His left-footed precision, long-range shooting, and ability to dictate tempo earned comparisons to Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. He also developed a signature celebration: pointing to the sky in honor of his late father, who passed away in 2020.
By 2021, he was named Austrian Footballer of the Year and had become the flagbearer of Hungary’s new football generation.
Related: Giovanni Reyna Then and Now
The Rise: Bundesliga Brilliance and International Leadership (2022–2023)
1. Move to RB Leipzig – Proving Himself in Germany
In June 2022, Szoboszlai signed with RB Leipzig for €24 million, stepping into a more competitive league. Despite injuries in his first season, he quickly established himself as a key playmaker:
- Scored crucial goals, including a 25-yard screamer against Bayern Munich
- Provided 18 assists in 72 appearances
- Excelled in the UEFA Champions League, helping Leipzig reach the quarterfinals in 2023
His leadership, maturity, and technical brilliance made him one of the Bundesliga’s most respected midfielders.
2. Hungary’s Captain and National Hero
Szoboszlai made his senior debut for Hungary in 2019 and was named captain in 2022—a rare honor for someone so young. He led Hungary through:
- UEFA Euro 2020 – standout performance in a 3–1 loss to Germany
- UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers – scored 5 goals, including a stunning free-kick against Serbia
- UEFA Euro 2024 – captained Hungary to the Round of 16, their best finish in decades
In Hungary, he is more than a footballer—he’s a national symbol of pride and perseverance.
Related: Moussa Diaby Then and Now
Now: The Liverpool Era and Global Recognition (2023–2025)
1. A Dream Move to Anfield
In July 2023, after a long pursuit, Liverpool FC signed Szoboszlai for £60 million, making him one of the most expensive Hungarian players in history. The move was seen as a statement of intent from manager Jürgen Klopp, who needed a creative successor to the aging midfield core.
Despite initial skepticism—some questioned his pace and defensive work—Szoboszlai silenced doubters within months.
2. Breakthrough Season (2023–2024)
Szoboszlai’s debut season at Liverpool was nothing short of transformational:
- Scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions
- Became the team’s primary set-piece taker – his left foot a constant threat
- Delivered match-winning performances against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid
- Scored a stunning long-range goal in the Champions League semifinal against PSG
He played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge and their Champions League final appearance in 2024.
3. 2024–2025: Establishing Legacy at Anfield
By the 2024–2025 season, Szoboszlai had become indispensable:
- Named vice-captain under Virgil van Dijk
- Took over as main penalty and free-kick taker
- Formed a dynamic midfield trio with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones
- Known for his calm under pressure, intelligent positioning, and leadership
In January 2025, he scored a last-minute winner against Arsenal at Anfield, sparking wild celebrations and cementing his status as a fan favorite.
His consistency earned him:
- Premier League Player of the Month (3 times)
- PFA Team of the Year (2024)
- Ballon d’Or top 20 shortlist (2024) – the first Hungarian since 1962
Related: Sofyan Amrabat Then and Now
Playing Style and Strengths (2025)
By 2025, Szoboszlai has evolved into a complete central midfielder:
- Left-footed maestro: Capable of bending free-kicks, through balls, and long-range rockets
- Vision and passing range: One of the best in the Premier League at switching play
- Set-piece specialist: Over 15 direct goals from free-kicks in his career
- Leadership and composure: Calm under pressure, often directs teammates during games
- Tactical intelligence: Excels in both possession-based and counter-attacking systems
Though not the fastest or most physical, his football IQ and technical mastery make him a nightmare for opponents.
Personal Life and Character
Szoboszlai is known for his humility, discipline, and emotional depth. He honors his late father in every interview and goal celebration. Off the pitch, he lives a quiet life in Knightsbridge, Liverpool, with his long-term partner, Apa Bese, a Hungarian model and influencer.
He is active in charity work:
- Supports youth football programs in Hungary
- Donates to children’s hospitals
- Advocates for mental health awareness in sports
Despite his fame, he remains grounded, often crediting his success to hard work, faith, and family.
Related: Édouard Mendy Then and Now
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Dominik Szoboszlai’s rise has had a profound impact:
- Revived Hungarian football on the global stage
- Inspired a new generation of Central European midfielders
- Proved that technical, intelligent players can thrive in the physical Premier League
He’s also a global ambassador for Hungary, appearing in national campaigns and even being honored with a commemorative postage stamp in 2024.
His jersey has become one of the top-selling in Hungary, and his name is synonymous with pride, precision, and passion.
Conclusion: Dominik Szoboszlai – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 15-year-old from Budapest, leaving home to train in Austria, dreaming of greatness.
- Now: A Liverpool vice-captain, Premier League star, Hungarian national hero, and one of Europe’s most respected midfielders.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and quiet determination. He didn’t arrive with fanfare—he earned every step with intelligence, consistency, and heart.
As Liverpool enters a new era post-Klopp in 2025, one thing is clear:
The torch has been passed.
And Szoboszlai is ready to lead.
🔥 “I don’t need noise to be great. I just need the ball, a dream, and the will to fight.” – Dominik Szoboszlai
Related: N’Golo Kanté Then and Now