In 2023, the term “elite mentality” is frequently used in football discussions, but Dominik Szoboszlai truly embodies that concept.
“I want to win everything,” he tells Hypebeast, outlining his goals at Liverpool: “Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, Europa League. Why not? We can achieve it – and we will pursue it.”
Szoboszlai spoke just after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside Derby, during the ‘Game On’ event organized by Nike and the LFC Foundation, which aims to enhance youth sports participation in Liverpool.
“This program is crucial for providing access to sports for many young people in underserved areas of the city,” says Dan Burrows, Senior Director of Social & Community Impact at Nike EMEA, who is collaborating with Szoboszlai. “We’re particularly focused on creating inclusive and enjoyable environments for girls to get involved in football.”
While inspiring the next generation, Szoboszlai reflects on his rapid ascent to becoming one of the world’s leading midfielders. “From the very start, I aimed to be a professional footballer,” he shares. “I had aspirations like every kid, and if you asked me where I wanted to play, I would have said a big club like Liverpool.”
His journey has been extraordinary. Szoboszlai developed his skills in Hungary before receiving a stellar education at RB Salzburg, where he played alongside rising stars like Erling Haaland, then moved to RB Leipzig. In Leipzig, he gained recognition as one of the most promising talents in the sport, celebrated for his remarkable technical skills, relentless energy, and powerful shooting, which have become his trademarks.
When Liverpool sought midfield reinforcements, Szoboszlai joined the club in the summer transfer window—a move he describes as a lifelong dream, having always viewed Liverpool as “one of the greatest clubs in the world.”
Upon his arrival, he was the fittest among Liverpool’s summer recruits, though he felt let down not to excel in the club’s infamous lactate test after a swift transition from RB Leipzig, where his £60.1 million release clause was activated. “The transfer happened so quickly that I arrived without proper training,” he explains. “Next time, I’ll aim to win it.”
His confidence and self-assuredness made him a natural leader, culminating in his appointment as captain of the Hungarian national team shortly after his 22nd birthday. Now 23, Szoboszlai is thriving as Liverpool’s new Number 8.
This commitment and self-belief were nurtured through his disciplined upbringing. As a youth player, Szoboszlai’s father aimed to improve his foot dexterity. Even at 6’1″, he wore smaller boots to keep his foot size to a seven, enhancing his dribbling and ball control.
“My dad was my constant support, guiding me throughout,” Szoboszlai recalls of his training in Szekesfehervar. His father, Zsolt, a former professional player, coached him through the ups and downs. Szoboszlai admits it was tough at times: “At 14, I often wondered, ‘Why are you yelling at me?’ But now I see the value in it.”
This unconventional training approach has clearly yielded results. Szoboszlai boasts a collection of stunning goals and free-kicks for both club and country, recently winning Liverpool’s ‘Goal of the Month’ award for September with a spectacular strike against Leicester in the Carabao Cup.
His impressive work ethic and overall ability have made him an instant fan favorite at Liverpool. You can see his impact at Anfield on match days, where ‘Szoboszlai 8’ jerseys are everywhere—some reports even suggest that sales of his shirt have overtaken those of ‘Salah 11.’
