In a thrilling 2-2 draw between Portugal and Hungary on Tuesday in Lisbon, Dominik Szoboszlai not only secured a dramatic injury-time equalizer but also walked away with a cherished memento from one of football’s greatest icons, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Hungarian midfielder’s late strike may have spoiled what could have been a record-breaking night for the Al-Nassr star, but it didn’t dampen Ronaldo’s spirit of sportsmanship. True to his word, Ronaldo fulfilled a promise made to Szoboszlai during their previous encounter, gifting the Liverpool star his match-worn jersey after the game.
The story began last month in Budapest during a World Cup qualifier, where Portugal edged out Hungary 3-2. Szoboszlai, a rising star at Liverpool and the captain of Hungary’s national team, had requested Ronaldo’s jersey after the match. Unfortunately, Ronaldo had already given it away but vowed to make it up to the 24-year-old in their next meeting. Fast forward to Tuesday’s clash in Lisbon, and Ronaldo proved as good as his word, handing over his shirt to Szoboszlai in a gesture that transcended the fierce rivalry between their respective clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Speaking to Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport after the match, Szoboszlai confirmed the exchange with a simple, “Yes, there was a shirt swap.” The moment was a testament to the mutual respect between the two players, despite their affiliations with clubs that share one of the most storied rivalries in football. Ronaldo, who netted a brace in the match, was visibly frustrated by Szoboszlai’s last-gasp equalizer, which kept Hungary’s faint hopes of automatic World Cup qualification alive. Yet, his commitment to honoring his promise showcased the class and professionalism that have defined his illustrious career.
Szoboszlai’s goal sparked jubilant scenes among the Hungarian squad and fans, as it ensured their campaign remained alive, albeit with a likely play-off spot on the horizon. With two games left against Armenia and the Republic of Ireland, Hungary trails group leaders Portugal by five points. Reflecting on the match, Szoboszlai expressed pride in his team’s resilience: “I’m proud of this whole team. We fought all the way through the game. We started well, there was a slight dip in our game, but then we got ourselves together. I can only say positive things.” He also revealed the exhaustion behind his crucial goal, admitting, “My goal depended on the fact that I was so tired that I couldn’t go for the short [corner] anymore. I was hoping that it would come for the long one. I was confident until the end that we would manage to equalize.”
At just 24, Szoboszlai has already amassed 59 international caps and has been Hungary’s captain since 2023. His versatility and work rate have also made him a cornerstone of Liverpool’s strong start to the 2025/26 season under manager Arne Slot. Having missed only one match this campaign—the Carabao Cup win over Southampton—Szoboszlai has played every minute of Liverpool’s other 10 fixtures, showcasing his adaptability in roles ranging from right-back to a deeper midfield position and his preferred attacking no.10 role. His tireless performance in Lisbon, despite feeling “so tired,” underscores why he’s likely to feature in Liverpool’s starting XI against Manchester United this weekend.
The shirt swap between Szoboszlai and Ronaldo is more than just a post-match ritual; it’s a symbol of respect and camaraderie in a sport often defined by intense rivalries. While Manchester United and Liverpool fans may clash in the stands, moments like these remind us of the humanity and sportsmanship that still thrive on the pitch. For Szoboszlai, the jersey is a keepsake from a footballing legend, and for Ronaldo, it’s a promise kept—a golden gesture that shines beyond the final whistle.