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

Liverpool’s Premier League trophy celebration at Anfield was supposed to be the perfect bookend to a rollercoaster campaign under new head coach Arne Slot. But amid the cheers, medals, and hugs, an unexpected moment sparked debate among fans: Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian midfielder, appeared to reject the opportunity to lift the trophy in front of the Kop.

The Reds secured the title weeks before the final matchday, but the official handover of the Premier League trophy came only after their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. A capacity crowd filled Anfield, many still reminiscing about how the club couldn’t celebrate their 2019/20 title properly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, was the man chosen to raise the famous trophy high into the Merseyside sky. Emotions were high, cameras flashed, and the crowd roared as key players like Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson Becker took turns hoisting the silverware in front of the jubilant home fans.

However, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Szoboszlai was not among those who visibly lifted the trophy in front of the Kop during the post-match festivities. Despite having a winner’s medal around his neck and being a key squad member, the former RB Leipzig star never took center stage with the prize.

A moment caught on Sky Sports showed teammate Ryan Gravenberch attempting to hand the trophy to Szoboszlai. The Hungarian, with a grin on his face, appeared to jokingly reject the offer—possibly still teasing Gravenberch over a red card he received in the game. Szoboszlai then allowed Harvey Elliott to step forward and take the spotlight instead.

This moment, brief as it was, stirred discussions online. A fan on X (formerly Twitter) remarked: “Is it just me or when all the players lifted the trophy to the Kop, did Szoboszlai not lift it? Saw him multiple times refuse it when players tried to hand it to him?”

Others chimed in with mixed opinions. One supporter replied, “Nah you’re right, something not right about that.” Another was far more critical, posting, “What’s the point of winning the championship and refusing to lift the trophy in front of the fans? Szoboszlai. Embarrassing.”

The absence of trophy-lifting photos featuring Szoboszlai only fueled the discussion. While images eventually surfaced of the midfielder posing alongside Mohamed Salah—trophy perched playfully on his head while wearing sunglasses—the moment lacked the traditional front-and-center lift that most players indulge in.

Was it a conscious decision? A playful moment misunderstood? Or simply a case of Szoboszlai letting others enjoy the spotlight?

Some fans tried to downplay the issue, arguing that not every player seeks the limelight and that Szoboszlai’s joy may have been expressed more privately or in his own unique way. Still, others saw it as a snub—unintentional or not—to the passionate fans who waited so long to see their heroes lift another league title.

It’s worth noting that Dominik Szoboszlai has had a remarkable start to life in English football. Since his arrival at Liverpool, the 23-year-old has brought flair, work rate, and precision to the midfield. His leadership and on-pitch intelligence have drawn praise, even if his second half of the season was interrupted by minor injuries.

More impressively, Szoboszlai has now won silverware in every season since 2017/18, a remarkable feat for any young footballer. His trophy haul includes the Austrian Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, Carabao Cup, and now the Premier League.

Perhaps Szoboszlai didn’t feel the need to perform a theatrical lift in front of the crowd. Or maybe, he was simply allowing younger players like Elliott to enjoy their moment of glory. After all, football is a team game, and leadership sometimes means stepping back, not forward.

Adding to the emotional weight of the evening was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was visibly moved during what many believe was his final Anfield appearance as a Liverpool player. Tears flowed as he embraced family members in the stands, the trophy lifting serving as a bittersweet curtain call on an era.

As the dust settles from the celebrations, the Szoboszlai moment will likely be remembered more as a curiosity than a controversy. Liverpool fans are passionate, and with social media amplifying every gesture, it’s easy for things to spiral. But in truth, every player celebrates differently—and perhaps Szoboszlai’s understated approach was just that: personal, not political.

In the weeks to come, attention will shift to Liverpool’s transfer activities, with questions over who stays, who leaves, and how Arne Slot plans to reshape his squad. But for now, the Reds are champions again, and even the smallest moments will be scrutinized, remembered, and debated.

Whether Szoboszlai raised the trophy or not, he played his part. He earned his medal. And he’s part of Liverpool’s Premier League story. That, above all, is what matters.