Former Hoffenheim striker Adam Szalai collapsed during the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Hungary. He now spoke:
November 17 update: The shock was immense on Saturday evening in Amsterdam! Adam Szalai, assistant coach of the Hungarian national team, collapsed during the Nations League match against the Netherlands and had to be taken to hospital.
A few hours later, the former Hoffenheim player reassured fans via social networks. “Thank you for your many messages, I’m fine,” Szalai wrote on his accounts. Hungarian media reported that Szalai had to be resuscitated after he collapsed. (nwo/dpa)
Initial report from November 16: A medical emergency occurred in the opening minutes of the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Hungary. Just minutes after kick-off, Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai collapsed on the sidelines. The match at the Johan Cruijff Arena was immediately halted, with paramedics rushing to the team’s technical area.
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Also during the first half, the Hungarian Football Association MLSZ announced that Szalai’s condition was stable and that he was conscious. He was then taken by ambulance to a hospital in Amsterdam for tests.
Before that, dramatic scenes unfolded in the stadium. A silence enveloped the crowd as staff and replacement players formed a circle around Szalai while he was treated. Many have brought up the drama involving Danish star Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch during Euro 2021 and suffered cardiac arrest.
When paramedics brought Szalai into the stadium after just over twelve minutes, applause broke out. Play resumed shortly after with a penalty awarded to the Netherlands after a video review. Wout Weghorst scored to make it 1-0, but the celebration was toned down due to previous circumstances. Ultimately, the hosts won the match 4-0.
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Emergency during Dutch victory: Hungary assistant coach Szalai collapses
Szalai, who made 276 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz, Hoffenheim, Schalke and Hannover, had himself played for Hungary until two years ago, most recently as captain. The 36-year-old retired from professional football in the summer of 2023. Last month, he made his debut as an assistant coach for the Hungarian national team in the first leg against the Netherlands.
