Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai had a shocking experience when a statue supposedly made in his honor was revealed.
However, the Hungarian player handled it with humor when he found out it was just a joke.
Szoboszlai unknowingly became the focus of an elaborate April Fool’s prank organized by Hungary’s major telecommunications provider.
The 24-year-old attended what he believed was a small event to celebrate one year of his partnership with Telekom.
Instead, he was surprised with a bizarre, life-size statue that bore little resemblance to him.
Looking at the statue`s prominent chin, distorted cheeks, and strange hairstyle, the Hungary captain was understandably taken aback.
To add to the joke, the statue was constructed from recycled materials, primarily 1,200 broken mobile phones, intended to promote the company’s e-waste initiative.
Footage from Telekom’s YouTube channel captured Szoboszlai’s genuine reaction, showing his emotions shift rapidly.
Despite his initial shock, the Hungary captain played along and stood beside the statue for photos.
The Premier League player was then taken to a separate room where he gave a more candid reaction to two friends.
After being asked for his opinion, Szoboszlai commented, "No, I don`t like it. I almost walked out. I only stayed because of my respect for you.
"I don`t think anyone has ever done something like this without prior consultation."
The group then noticed merchandise featuring the statue’s face on mugs and T-shirts.
Szoboszlai then joked, “This doesn’t look like me at all. It looks like my backside turned inside out.”
The presenters of the prank were amused watching his reactions backstage.
The former RB Leipzig player then learned that a large version of the statue would be placed at a busy city intersection.
He was also led to believe it would be transported down the River Danube on a barge for Hungary`s national holiday on August 20.
His facial expressions throughout the reveal were priceless before Telekom revealed the entire prank.
Szoboszlai has been a key player for Liverpool this season.
He has featured in 28 games this season, starting 23, contributing five goals and four assists, as Liverpool competes for the league title in the current season.
