Hungary Coach Szalai Stable After Collapsing During Nations League Match

Hungary’s coach Adam Szalai has reassured fans that he is “doing well” after collapsing during his team’s Nations League match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday. The alarming incident occurred just seven minutes into the game, prompting a 13-minute pause as medical personnel rushed to assist the 36-year-old coach.

Szalai, who retired as a player in 2023 after earning 86 international caps, received immediate attention on the bench where a makeshift medical tent was set up. He was then carried out on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Captain Dominik Szoboszlai, visibly shaken, was seen in tears on the pitch as concern spread among players and fans.

“Thanks for the lots of messages, I’m doing well,” Szalai later shared in a Facebook post, bringing relief to many who had been anxiously awaiting updates. The Hungarian Football Association confirmed that Szalai was “stable and conscious” following the incident.

The match resumed after Szalai’s departure, and the Netherlands soon gained momentum. A VAR review led to a penalty in the 21st minute, which Ajax striker Wout Weghorst converted to put the hosts ahead. Weghorst’s celebratory slide toward the corner flag drew criticism for perceived insensitivity given the circumstances.

Reflecting on the incident, Weghorst stated, “I never thought for a moment that this could come across as unpleasant. In retrospect, you think, ‘would it have been more respectful to cheer less exuberantly?’ Let it be clear that his life is more important than my goal. I hope I don’t have to explain that to anyone.”

The Dutch team captain, Virgil van Dijk, defended Weghorst’s celebration, remarking, “I didn’t think the celebration was exaggerated at all. Hungary made the choice to continue playing. Then you get on with playing the match.”

The Netherlands went on to secure a 4-0 victory, a result that advanced them to the Nations League quarter-finals. Despite the win, Szalai’s health and recovery remained at the forefront of post-match discussions, with well-wishes pouring in from the football community.