Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning goal against Brighton marked one of the standout moments of the 2025-26 football season.
The build-up was mesmerizing, starting with a long, precise pass from Cody Gakpo, followed by a clever feed from Mohamed Salah. Then came Szoboszlai’s emphatic first-time finish, solidifying his position as Liverpool’s standout player this season.
High-level football can often go unnoticed, especially amidst the distractions that come with it. But this moment was exhilarating, sending shivers down your spine.
In the wake of Liverpool’s 3-0 win, Salah addressed whether the team could claim the FA Cup. He responded to TNT Sports by saying, “It’s going to depend on his [Szoboszlai’s] performances.”
“He is one of the best players in the world right now.”
Emotions often run high after matches, leading to bold declarations—think of it as athletes trying to articulate the effects of five pints of Boddingtons on an empty stomach.
Yet, Szoboszlai has truly elevated his game, netting 10 goals in a season where many teammates have wrestled with their own uncertainties.
The Hungarian midfielder excels at the art of passing, can press opponents with ease, and is among the best free-kick specialists in the game. It’s as if Steven Gerrard has been reimagined, infused with goulash and a new post-communist spirit.
As Szoboszlai basks in the love of Anfield, potential challenges loom. This is precisely the type of form that draws the attention of giants like Real Madrid.
A perfectly executed goal from Liverpool and Dominik Szoboszlai 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/TQKtB4Xif2
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 14, 2026
Marco Rossi, Szoboszlai’s coach on the international scene, added fuel to that fire this week, sparking interest in his player’s future and potentially reigniting Liverpool’s fragile resurgence.
“Szoboszlai always had one dream: to play for Real Madrid,” Rossi declared in Marca.
“Because of the very close and direct relationship I have with him since he started playing football as a child, Real Madrid has always been his dream.”
Would Madrid consider signing Szoboszlai, especially with a rising star like Jude Bellingham already occupying a similar role? It’s likely they would find the space.
Having experienced the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid and with the risk of seeing Ibrahima Konate follow suit, Liverpool supporters would feel a heavy weight at the thought of another player leaving for their bitter rival.
The Alexander-Arnold situation remains a cautionary tale. Choosing Real Madrid over Liverpool seemed to strike a nerve beyond just the loyal Anfield season-ticket holders.
English football often prefers to ignore its standing within the larger system, traditionally associated with major tournaments, and how no amount of financial backing can overshadow the allure of Spain’s elite clubs.
This scrutiny only heightens when considering the legacy of Ferenc Puskas, Hungary’s most celebrated footballer and one of the all-time greats.
Puskas is a Real Madrid legend, and since his era, Hungary has struggled to produce talent worthy of donning Madrid’s prestigious colors—until now.
Szoboszlai has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract. But can the club resist the gravitational pull of other opportunities?
