In an electrifying 2-2 draw between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Dominik Szoboszlai not only scored a dramatic injury-time equalizer but also received a memorable gift from one of football’s all-time greats — Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Szoboszlai’s late strike denied Portugal a perfect night, it did not dampen Ronaldo’s spirit of sportsmanship. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner honored a promise he made to the Liverpool midfielder during their previous encounter, gifting him his match-worn jersey after the final whistle.
The story began in Budapest a month earlier during a World Cup qualifier, when Portugal edged Hungary 3-2. After that match, Szoboszlai, captain of the Hungarian national team, had asked Ronaldo for his shirt. The Portuguese star had already given it away but assured him he would make amends in their next meeting. True to his word, Ronaldo fulfilled the promise in Lisbon, handing over his jersey in a gesture that transcended the fierce rivalry between their clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Speaking to Hungarian outlet *Nemzeti Sport* after the match, Szoboszlai confirmed the moment simply: “Yes, there was a shirt swap.” The exchange reflected the respect between two players who stand on opposite sides of one of football’s oldest rivalries. Ronaldo, who scored twice on the night, was visibly frustrated after Hungary’s equalizer, but his decision to keep his word underscored the professionalism and integrity that have defined his career.
Szoboszlai’s last-minute goal ignited celebrations among Hungary’s players and fans, keeping their World Cup hopes alive, though a play-off spot now seems the most likely path. With two games remaining — against Armenia and the Republic of Ireland — Hungary sits five points behind group leaders Portugal.
After the match, Szoboszlai praised 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 dip, but we recovered and kept believing. My goal came because I was too tired to go short for the corner — I waited for the long one and trusted that we’d equalize.”
At just 24 years old, Szoboszlai has already earned 59 international caps and has captained Hungary since 2023. His leadership and versatility have made him a key player in Liverpool’s strong start to the 2025/26 season under Arne Slot. Having missed only one match so far — the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton — he’s been ever-present across ten other fixtures, performing in multiple roles from deep midfield to his preferred attacking position.
The post-match shirt swap between Szoboszlai and Ronaldo was more than a routine exchange. It symbolized respect and camaraderie that still thrive in football despite club rivalries. While Manchester United and Liverpool supporters remain fierce rivals, moments like this remind fans of the human side of the game.
For Szoboszlai, the jersey is a treasured keepsake from a football legend. For Ronaldo, it represents a promise honored — a simple yet powerful gesture that captures the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.
