Liverpool fans think one player ‘refused’ to lift the Premier League trophy in front of the Kop and it’s divided opinion

Liverpool’s long-awaited Premier League celebration at Anfield was meant to be a moment of pure unity, pride, and joy — but it appears not every moment went as smoothly as expected. While the Red half of Merseyside exploded in cheer, one curious scene involving Dominik Szoboszlai has divided fans and stirred controversy.

After a rollercoaster season under newly appointed manager Arne Slot, Liverpool finally had their trophy moment in front of a fully packed Anfield. Their title win brought memories of 2020 flooding back — the season when Jurgen Klopp’s side were crowned champions but had to celebrate in an empty stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions. This time, it was different. Anfield roared as captain Virgil van Dijk held the Premier League trophy aloft after a 1–1 draw with Crystal Palace.

As players celebrated one after another with their medals, posing for photos and lifting the trophy in front of the Kop, something felt… off. Fans began to notice that midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian playmaker signed last summer from RB Leipzig, did not seem eager to take part in the trophy-lifting tradition.

Social media lit up quickly. A clip aired by Sky Sports showed what appeared to be Ryan Gravenberch handing the trophy to Szoboszlai. Instead of taking it with joy, Szoboszlai playfully declined, laughing while wearing his winners’ medal. The Hungarian seemed to joke about Gravenberch’s red card earlier that day — but the trophy was passed along to Harvey Elliott instead.

Some fans found the moment funny. Others were bewildered.

“Is it just me or did Szoboszlai refuse to lift the trophy? Saw him several times shaking his head when it was offered,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another chimed in, “Nah you’re right — something was off about that moment.”

Not everyone took the moment lightly. “What’s the point of winning the championship and refusing to lift the trophy in front of the fans? Szoboszlai. Embarrassing,” wrote another. The criticism came hard and fast, with several fans demanding photo evidence of Szoboszlai’s participation in the celebration. “Where are the Szoboszlai trophy pics?” one user posted.

The situation left many split. Was it a moment of shyness, humility, or just playful banter misinterpreted? Or was it something deeper — a sign of discontent, detachment, or awkwardness?

Eventually, Szoboszlai was spotted holding the trophy, albeit in a far more relaxed manner. Wearing stylish black sunglasses, he posed alongside Mohamed Salah and a few teammates with the trophy casually placed on his head — a picture that came much later, after the main ceremony in front of the Kop.

The incident has sparked heated debates among fans. Some believe it was simply a personality quirk or inside joke. Others see it as an act of detachment or even disrespect. The Hungarian international, known for his cool demeanor and professionalism, has never shown signs of arrogance or disinterest — which makes the moment even harder to decode.

This isn’t the first time Szoboszlai has had the spotlight on him in trophy moments. Incredibly, the midfielder has now won a major trophy in every season since 2017/18 — a streak that includes the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, the DFB-Pokal with RB Leipzig, the Carabao Cup with Liverpool earlier this season, and now the Premier League title.

For some supporters, his refusal to raise the trophy seemed symbolic. “Maybe he’s just different,” one Reddit user speculated. “Not everyone needs to follow the same routine. His moment was probably that photo with Salah, sunglasses and all. Low-key. That’s just Szobo.”

Still, given the magnitude of the occasion — a full Anfield, a final home game of the season, and the end of an era with players like Alexander-Arnold reportedly preparing to say goodbye — fans expected complete unity and celebration.

Ironically, Szoboszlai had every reason to celebrate. His debut season in England has been widely considered a success. The 23-year-old has delivered key goals, assists, and has quickly become a fixture in the midfield. His energy, technical skill, and maturity have impressed both fans and pundits.

But in football, perception matters. What is seen — or not seen — during emotionally charged moments can become the story, regardless of intentions. The simple act of lifting a trophy in front of the fans is more than just tradition — it’s a symbol of belonging and pride.

The attention quickly shifted later in the ceremony, as Trent Alexander-Arnold took his lap of honour around Anfield. The local hero was visibly emotional, shedding tears as he embraced his family and took in the roaring ovation from the home crowd. The right-back’s future remains uncertain, and the moment struck a chord with many — overshadowing much of the minor drama surrounding Szoboszlai.

Still, this minor episode will linger in the minds of fans. As the summer unfolds, and the squad prepares for a new chapter under Arne Slot, Szoboszlai will be expected to play a key role. His commitment to the club will ultimately be judged by performances on the pitch — not by a brief hesitation during a trophy celebration.

But in Liverpool, a city that wears emotion on its sleeve and celebrates heart over everything, those brief moments matter.

Szoboszlai’s trophy-lifting hesitation may fade into memory soon enough — especially if he helps guide the Reds to more glory in the seasons to come.