Dominik Szoboszlai produced a touching moment during Hungary’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Georgia when he picked up a Hungarian flag from the pitch and kissed it.
The Liverpool midfielder was celebrating alongside his teammates after Milos Kerkez gave Hungary the lead in the first half. The goal proved decisive as Marco Rossi’s side held on for a narrow victory at the Puskás Aréna.
As the Hungarian players celebrated, Szoboszlai noticed the flag on the pitch and picked it up.
He then kissed the Hungarian colours before continuing the celebrations with his teammates.
It was a small gesture, but one that stood out in the middle of an important night for Hungary.
The victory was particularly significant because Hungary had taken only one point from their opening two Nations League matches. They lost 1-0 to Ukraine in Budapest before being held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland in Belfast.
Georgia also entered Friday’s match with one point from their first two games, making the meeting in Budapest an important Group B2 clash.
Kerkez provided the breakthrough in the 35th minute.
The Liverpool left-back’s goal was his first for Hungary and ultimately gave his country all three points. Reuters also captured Szoboszlai celebrating with his teammates immediately after Kerkez found the net.
For Szoboszlai, the moment with the flag added another layer to the celebrations.
The 25-year-old is Hungary’s captain and has become one of the most recognisable figures in the national team. UEFA’s official squad information lists him as captain, while Kerkez is also part of the current Hungary squad.
The pair have also shared plenty of memorable moments at club and international level, with both now playing for Liverpool.
Friday’s victory gave them another one to remember, but this time it was the Hungarian colours that took centre stage.
The timing of Szoboszlai’s gesture also made it stand out. The players had just scored a goal that could have a major impact on their Nations League campaign, and the captain paused amid the celebrations to show affection for the flag representing his country.
It was not a goal celebration or a rehearsed routine.
It was simply Szoboszlai picking up the flag, kissing it and returning to celebrate with his teammates.
After a difficult start to the Nations League campaign, Hungary finally had a night to enjoy.
Kerkez supplied the winning goal, the team protected their lead and Szoboszlai provided a moment that captured the pride behind the victory.
Sometimes, the smallest gestures say the most. Szoboszlai kissing the Hungarian flag was one of those moments.