Premier League star unrecognisable as mascot 15 years ago - now set to face 'childhood idol' Cristiano Ronaldo in World Cup qualifier
Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable career has produced countless storylines, with his longevity at the highest level throwing up yet another.A photo from 2009 shows a young mascot standing on the pitch just yards away from Ronaldo before a World Cup qualifier.At that time the Portuguese forward was 24, fresh from a world-record move to Real Madrid, and already one of the most famous players in football.Ronaldo is now 40, still leading his national team and captaining Portugal in World Cup qualifying. Hungary, meanwhile, are chasing a first appearance at the finals since 1986, with the stakes high as the two sides meet again.That same mascot from 15 years ago has become central to the story. No longer a boy looking up to his idol, he is now the man charged with leading Hungary against Ronaldo.The youngster in question was Dominik Szoboszlai. More than a decade after walking out at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium, he will now stand opposite the player who once loomed so large in his imagination.'A lot,' Szoboszlai admitted when asked how often the prospect had crossed his mind.'I have played against great players but I have never played against him. From my childhood he has been my idol so finally the time has come. I hope it will be a positive experience.'Now 24 and a key figure for Liverpool following his £60million move from RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai heads into the clash in good form after scoring a free-kick against Arsenal before the international break.Hungary’s 2-2 draw with Ireland left them with work to do in Group F, and Szoboszlai’s performance against Portugal will be crucial to their hopes. Ronaldo’s side hold a clear advantage historically, winning ten and drawing four of their 14 previous meetings.Ronaldo, playing club football with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continues to defy time as Portugal’s captain and remains decisive at international level.
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