Injuries are an inherent aspect of sports, yet certain incidents during games can raise significant concern for an athlete’s well-being. Such was the case when Hungary’s Barnabas Varga collided with Angus Gunn during a Euro 2024 match against Scotland.
Fortunately, Varga’s condition was soon declared stable, though the alarming moments on the pitch will likely remain etched in the memories of his teammates and Hungarian football fans.
Varga sustained a fractured cheekbone and concussion from his head striking goalkeeper Angus Gunn’s shoulder in the Euro 2024 group stage match between Hungary and Scotland.
As Varga went up for a high ball in the Scotland box and Gunn attempted to clear it, Varga fell to the ground, prompting his teammates to rush to his aid and place him in a recovery position while waiting for medical help.
The severity of the injury was such that screens were erected around Varga while he received medical attention, and he had to be stretchered off the field. The match was paused for about 10 minutes before play resumed.
The distressing scene brought some of Varga’s teammates to tears. Following Hungary’s 1-0 victory, the players, led by captain Dominik Szoboszlai, held up jerseys bearing Varga’s name in a show of support.
Varga was taken to a hospital in Stuttgart for further treatment. Hungary manager Marco Rossi later confirmed that while Varga was stable, he would miss the rest of the tournament.
“Varga is okay,” Rossi told BBC Sport. “Unfortunately, he needs surgery due to a fracture. If we advance in the tournament, he will not be with us.”
The incident drew comparisons to Euro 2020 when Christian Eriksen collapsed during a match against Finland, although Varga’s injuries were different, involving fractures rather than cardiac issues.
Varga’s injuries are expected to sideline him for a minimum of four to six weeks, with full recovery likely taking longer. Recovery from concussions varies, but athletes typically return to action within weeks. However, Varga’s facial fractures required surgery, extending his recovery time.
The Ferencvaros forward is looking at roughly two months to recover and may need to wear a face mask when he resumes full-contact training.
Barnabás Varga
Ferencváros performance and stats
Ferencváros is currently 2nd in the Europa Conference League with 10 points.
In the last 14 games, it has won 8 times, drawn 4 times, and lost twice. In its last match, Ferencváros lost 0-1 against Olympiakos Piraeus.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 9 goals and conceding 6.