AEK’s player, Ziga Laci could be a Hungarian national team member

Dobrovnik, located in the vicinity of Lendava near the Hungarian-Slovenian border, is one of Slovenia's rare Hungarian-majority settlements. However, not only is the village famous for it, but also for having a wonderful orchid farm on its territory. In addition, it has even been added to the football map: Žiga Laci, a footballer for AEK Athens in Greece, is from this village. The 19-year-old defender joined the Greek star club three years ago and has recently renewed his contract for another five years.

"We really grew up in a village mostly inhabited by Hungarians," said Luka Laci, the center-back's brother. “We were raised here, and we went to bilingual kindergarten and primary school here. Every man in the family was or still is a footballer. It wasn't just our father and grandfather, but both of our uncles played football. Our father was the captain of the adult team of the club in Dobrovnik, and our grandfather was a long-time coach there. My brother and I have been playing football from an early age. We started our careers at Nafta in Lendava, but whenever we could, we were both happy to come back and join Dobrovnik's youth team. I'm a classic striker and Žiga is a center-back, the best in this position.”

NK Mura noticed Žiga Laci when he was 14, but he did not play much among the adults because although several clubs were interested, the footballer who also made his debut for the Slovenian youth team accepted AEK Athens' offer.

"Žiga Laci is a national-team-level footballer," UEFA pro licensed coach Imre Németh and master of LK Dobronak, told our portal. “I have coached both his father and his uncle before. I returned in the summer; we would like to build up a good Hungarian team. By the way, Žiga Laci should be in the national eleven and Ferencváros, next to Slovenia's Miha Blažič. It is typical of him to spend the holidays with his family, but he attended our training sessions, accompanied us to the practice matches... not in a luxury car, but by bicycle. Sometimes he would ride 20 kilometers just to see his brother and the team. Perhaps his success can also contribute to getting us out of Lendava's shadow and to attracting people's attention here in Hungary.”

"I'm proud of my little brother," said Luka Laci. "I know and see how much work he puts into football, how much resignation and perseverance a professional footballer takes. We talk about a lot of things, and of course, the topic of the national team was mentioned. We decided to discuss it with the family in case of an invitation, but on this matter, Žiga has the final say. We'll let ourselves be surprised!

László Bölöni, the recently departed coach from Panathinaikos has also noticed the 19-year-old player.

"At first, only his Hungarian name struck my eye," the 67-year-old coach said in response to our question. “And then, of course, his game. He's a great, gifted, tough and determined defender, and a very good marker. Although he is almost two meters tall, he is fast, explosive, turns easily, and has a great left leg. I brought Laci to the Hungarian federation's attention – the rest is up to them.”

We were able to reach Žiga Laci as well, who told us that he is happy to play football at AEK, but he will never forget the small village from where it all started.

"I'm attached to Dobrovnik," he said. "I hope that soon our settlement will be noticed not only because of the orchids but because of football as well. The infrastructure is evolving, President Ervin Szekeres manages the club well, and coach Imre Németh does a great job, too. As far as the national team is concerned: I would be grateful and honored to be invited to any of the national teams. Of course, I appreciate Imre Németh's words about Fradi, and it is good to hear about László Bölöni's recommendation."

The MLSZ monitors players from across the border, but they have to fight for the national team jersey.

Of course, we also contacted the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ). According to the information received from the MLSZ, players who may be considered for the national team are constantly being monitored. The process of "monitoring" is quite extensive, but, as Marco Rossi has also stressed before, one of the most important conditions to be capped is that the footballer wants to play in the Hungarian national team.

(Translated by Vanda Orosz)