I still remember watching Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick against Germany last year - that moment perfectly captured what's been happening in Hungarian football recently. We're witnessing something special here, and as someone who's followed European football for over two decades, I can tell you this isn't just another temporary surge. The transformation in Hungarian football has been remarkable, especially when you consider that just five years ago, Hungary was ranked 52nd in the FIFA world rankings. Today, they're comfortably sitting in the top 30, and honestly, I believe they're poised to climb even higher.
What makes this Hungarian renaissance particularly fascinating is how it mirrors the journey of underdog teams across different sports. Take the Chargers volleyball team's story from the reference material - making only their second semifinals appearance after last year's Reinforced Conference finals. That narrative of gradual progress against established powers like Creamline resonates deeply with Hungary's football trajectory. Both stories speak to the power of systematic development and patience in team sports. I've always argued that sustainable success in football comes from building proper foundations rather than chasing quick fixes, and Hungary's current generation proves this point beautifully.
The real game-changer for Hungary has been Dominik Szoboszlai. When Liverpool paid €70 million for him in 2023, many questioned the price tag, but having watched his development since his Salzburg days, I knew this was a steal. His technical quality is exceptional, but what impresses me most is his mentality - the kid plays with the confidence of a veteran. At just 23, he's already captain material, and his 11 goals and 15 assists across all competitions last season only tell half the story. His ability to dictate tempo and create something from nothing reminds me of a young Steven Gerrard, though I'd argue Szoboszlai might have even better technical skills at the same age.
Then there's Willi Orbán, who represents the defensive backbone that every successful national team needs. What's incredible about Orbán is his consistency - he's been with RB Leipzig since 2015, making over 250 appearances and becoming one of the Bundesliga's most reliable defenders. At 31, he brings that crucial experience to a relatively young squad. I've had the privilege of watching him play live several times, and his positioning sense is among the best I've seen in European football. He's the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, and his leadership has been instrumental in Hungary's defensive solidity.
The emergence of Milos Kerkez at Bournemouth represents another exciting development. At just 20 years old, he's already established himself as one of the Premier League's most promising left-backs. His athleticism is breathtaking - I remember watching him completely neutralize Mohamed Salah in one match, which is no small feat. His transfer value has skyrocketed from €2 million to around €25 million in just two years, and frankly, I think that's still undervaluing his potential.
What's particularly encouraging from my perspective is how these players are performing at the highest levels week in, week out. Szoboszlai featuring in 35 Premier League matches last season, Orbán's consistent Champions League appearances, and Kerkez adapting so quickly to English football - these experiences translate directly to international success. The numbers don't lie: Hungary has qualified for three of the last four major tournaments after missing out for over 30 years. Their UEFA Nations League performances have been particularly impressive, with that famous victory over England at Wembley standing out as a landmark achievement.
The impact extends beyond just results. I've noticed a significant shift in how Hungarian football is perceived internationally. Where once they were seen as minnows, they're now respected as dangerous opponents. This changing perception matters because it affects everything from youth development to commercial opportunities. More Hungarian kids are taking up football seriously, knowing there's a clear pathway to success. The domestic league has improved noticeably too, with average attendance rising from 3,800 in 2018 to over 6,200 last season.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about Hungary's prospects for Euro 2024. They've been drawn in a tough group with Germany, Scotland, and Switzerland, but I wouldn't be surprised if they cause some upsets. Their style of play under Marco Rossi has evolved into an attractive, possession-based approach that can trouble any opponent. The blend of experienced campaigners like Orbán with emerging talents like Kerkez creates a perfect balance that many national teams struggle to achieve.
In many ways, Hungary's football journey reminds me of that Chargers team from our reference material - a group that's learned from past disappointments and used those experiences to build toward something greater. Just as the Chargers reached their second semifinal after last year's reinforced conference finals disappointment, Hungary's footballers have turned previous near-misses into stepping stones for genuine progress. What we're seeing isn't a flash in the pan but the result of careful planning and exceptional talent development. As someone who's watched countless footballing nations rise and fall, I'd bet on Hungary maintaining this upward trajectory for years to come. The quality is there, the system is working, and most importantly, the belief has returned to Hungarian football.
