Dominik Szoboszlai, the dynamic Hungarian midfielder who has become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s Premier League dominance, is no stranger to commanding attention on the pitch. With his precise passes, thunderous long-range strikes, and unyielding energy, the 24-year-old has helped propel the Reds to yet another title in the 2024-25 season. But in a surprising pivot that’s turning heads far beyond the football world, Szoboszlai has stepped into the spotlight of high-end hospitality advertising, starring in a mesmerizing promotional video for the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. The black-and-white cinematic spot, which dropped on October 3, 2025, has fans and critics alike buzzing about his effortless charisma – and speculating if a career in film isn’t far behind.

The advertisement, which Szoboszlai himself teased on his Instagram, unfolds like a scene from a spy thriller. Shot in moody monochrome, it opens with the Liverpool star gliding through the neon-lit streets of nighttime Budapest in a sleek luxury car, exuding an air of quiet sophistication. He arrives at the iconic Gresham Palace – a neo-Renaissance masterpiece turned opulent Four Seasons haven overlooking the Danube – and steps into its lavish interiors. What follows is a masterclass in understated allure: Szoboszlai lounges fully suited in a grand bathtub, shuffles a deck of cards for a solitary game at a polished table, and locks eyes with the camera in lingering, enigmatic glances. Set to the brooding strains of Ian Post’s “The Hollow,” the 30-second clip isn’t just selling a hotel; it’s selling a fantasy of refined escapism, with Szoboszlai as the enigmatic protagonist.

Social media erupted almost immediately after the ad’s release. On X (formerly Twitter), posts from outlets like ESPN UK and Anfield Express racked up thousands of likes, with users gushing over Szoboszlai’s “smouldering” presence. “How is he so handsome?” one fan tweeted, echoing a sentiment that’s proliferated across platforms. Hungarian media, including Index.hu, praised the video for revealing “a completely new side” of the player – professional yet relaxed, authentic in a way that transcends borders. Russian Market went further, dubbing him a “potential new James Bond,” complete with the suave demeanor and sharp features that could slot seamlessly into a 007 reboot. Even in Indonesia, where Liverpool’s fanbase runs deep, accounts like Jürgenholic Indonesia shared the clip with captions hailing it as a stylish departure from the norm.

For Szoboszlai, this isn’t his first brush with the world of endorsements. The Hungarian phenom, who captains his national team and holds the record as the youngest skipper at a European Championship, has already lent his star power to global giants like McDonald’s and Telekom. But partnering with Four Seasons feels deeply personal. Just last October, he proposed to his now-wife, influencer Borka Buzsik, in the very same Gresham Palace – a romantic milestone that cemented the hotel’s place in his story. Their March 2025 wedding, announced with a simple heart-emoji Instagram post, only amplified the fairytale vibe. “It’s more than a hotel; it’s a chapter in my life,” Szoboszlai might say, though he hasn’t commented directly on the ad yet. The Four Seasons Hungary team, however, has been effusive, calling the collaboration an “iconic meeting” of the palace’s historic elegance and Szoboszlai’s modern charisma.

What makes this ad so compelling isn’t just Szoboszlai’s photogenic appeal – though at 6’2″ with chiseled features and a perpetual five-o’clock shadow, he could moonlight as a model without breaking a sweat. It’s the seamless blend of his real-life persona with the brand’s ethos. On the field, Szoboszlai is a tactician: a box-to-box dynamo who notched key assists in Liverpool’s title-clinching 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham earlier this year. Off it, he’s the kid from Székesfehérvár who rose through Red Bull Salzburg’s ranks, conquered the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, and now thrives under Arne Slot at Anfield. His journey – from Austrian youth prodigy to €70 million Liverpool signing – mirrors the Four Seasons’ promise of elevated experiences. In the ad, that translates to a narrative of solitary sophistication: a man in command, whether orchestrating a midfield masterclass or savoring a midnight poker hand.

Fans have flooded X with reactions, turning the promo into a viral phenomenon. One post from BallControl highlighted the “stylish black-and-white” aesthetic, garnering hundreds of shares. L’Europe Football, a French football account, simply captioned a still: “Dominik Szoboszlai, Four Seasons otel için hazırlanan reklamda rol aldı” – translating to his starring role in the hotel’s campaign – and watched it soar to over 47,000 views. Even niche accounts like Coztic shared the full clip, emphasizing its Budapest roots and Szoboszlai’s Hungarian pride. The buzz has spilled into broader conversations about athletes crossing into entertainment. “If you didn’t know he was a footballer, you’d think he was a real actor,” noted Dailysports, capturing the consensus that Szoboszlai’s screen presence rivals his pitch prowess.

This isn’t mere celebrity endorsement; it’s a savvy cultural moment. Four Seasons, known for its ultra-luxury properties that blend history with haute couture, has long used storytelling to seduce travelers. Casting Szoboszlai – a homegrown hero for Hungary – taps into national pride while appealing globally. The Gresham Palace, with its art nouveau facade and Chain Bridge views, becomes more than a backdrop; it’s a co-star, evoking the grandeur of old-world Europe. For Liverpool supporters, it’s a delightful detour: their No. 8, fresh off Champions League heroics like his San Siro stunner against AC Milan, now embodying refined leisure.

As the ad circulates on billboards and big screens across Budapest – and streams worldwide via social media – it’s sparking bigger questions. Could this be the gateway to more acting gigs for Szoboszlai? With his multilingual charm (fluent in Hungarian, German, English) and that piercing gaze, Hollywood scouts might come calling. Tribuna.com quipped, “How is he so handsome?” but beneath the thirst traps lies a deeper appeal: authenticity. In an era where athletes are brands unto themselves, Szoboszlai’s foray feels organic, not opportunistic.

For now, though, his focus remains on the pitch. With Liverpool defending their crown and Hungary eyeing World Cup qualifiers, Szoboszlai’s plate is full. Yet this Four Seasons cameo reminds us: football’s elite aren’t just athletes; they’re cultural icons, weaving personal milestones into public spectacles. As he gazes into that camera, cards in hand, one can’t help but wonder – what’s his next play? On the field or off, Dominik Szoboszlai is always one step ahead, leaving us all captivated.