🇭🇺 Hungary Striker Barnabás Varga Stable After Horror Collision Against Scotland
Hungary forward Barnabás Varga is in a stable condition in hospital after suffering multiple facial fractures and a concussion during Hungary’s dramatic 1–0 Euro 2024 win over Scotland in Stuttgart.
The 29-year-old Ferencváros striker was injured in the second half when he collided with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn while attempting to meet Dominik Szoboszlai’s free kick. Gunn punched the ball clear, but his trailing arm struck Varga in the face.
Play was halted for six minutes as medics treated Varga on the pitch. Players formed a protective screen around him as he received urgent care before being stretchered off and taken to a local hospital.
The Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) confirmed shortly afterward that Varga was conscious and in stable condition but had suffered several broken facial bones and would undergo surgery.
“Barni suffered fractures to several bones in his face and also a concussion,” MLSZ said in a statement. “He will spend the night in hospital in Stuttgart. The whole team is supporting him.”
Head coach Marco Rossi revealed after the match that Varga had briefly lost consciousness following the impact:
“It was a confusing situation,” Rossi said. “The players were worried because Barni wasn’t conscious at first. He has a fractured cheekbone and will undergo surgery soon. Thankfully, he is now out of danger.”
Rossi also expressed concern over the delay in medical response:
“Everyone was worried because the doctors arrived a bit late. But the most important thing is that Barni is healthy now.”
Teammates, including Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai, dedicated the emotional victory to Varga.
“It was a terrible moment to see Barni like that,” Sallai said. “Thankfully he’s stable now. We’re all praying for him.”
Ferencváros defender Endre Botka, who was near the incident, added:
“It was shocking, but luckily he’s fine.”
Scotland’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn, involved in the collision, said after the match:
“Hopefully the guy’s alright. I can’t remember much—it was painful.”
Hungary’s players held up Varga’s No. 19 shirt after Kevin Csoboth’s 100th-minute winner, dedicating the victory to their injured teammate.
Hungary’s win moved them to third place in Group A, keeping alive hopes of progressing to the Euro 2024 round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Varga, who has scored seven goals in 14 appearances for Hungary since debuting in 2023, has been one of the team’s standout players, finding the net in the opening match against Switzerland.
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