During the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Hungary, a medical emergency occurred involving Adam Szalai. Hungary’s assistant coach reassured fans later in the night.
“Thank you for the many messages, I’m fine,” the 36-year-old Hungarian wrote on Instagram, adding a red heart to his message.
Just a few minutes after the match kicked off on Saturday (November 16, 2024), the former Bundesliga professional collapsed on the sidelines. The match at the Johan Cruyff Arena was immediately interrupted as rescuers rushed to the technical area. Before the end of the first half, the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ) announced that Szalai’s condition was stable and that he was conscious.
Read more:
Van Basten: The Swan of Utrecht who Reigned and Departed
He was then taken by ambulance for examination at a hospital in Amsterdam. Dramatic scenes unfolded in the stadium as a heavy silence settled; staff and substitute players formed a circle around Szalai while he received treatment.
Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai commented after the match:
Words of compassion also came from Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the upcoming clash with Hungary on Tuesday.
Many memories resurfaced regarding the drama surrounding Danish star Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch and suffered cardiac arrest during Euro 2021. When emergency workers brought Szalai into the stadium after a little more than twelve minutes in, applause broke out.
Play quickly resumed with a penalty awarded to the Netherlands following a video review. Wout Weghorst converted the penalty to make it 1-0, although the celebration was muted given previous events. Ultimately, the Netherlands won the match 4-0.
Read more:
Gloomy Times for Guardiola: A Look at His Long Winless Streak
Szalai, who made 276 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz, Hoffenheim, Schalke and Hannover, had only retired as an active player two years ago and had captained Hungary until then.
The 36-year-old Hungarian ended his playing career in the summer of 2023. He made his debut as Hungary’s assistant coach in the first leg against the Netherlands in October.
