In an unexpected move, Hungary’s foreign minister takes charge of historic Budapest football club

Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has been appointed president of Budapest Honvéd, one of the capital’s storied football clubs. Thanks to a new sponsor, the club’s budget is set for a significant boost—reaching hundreds of millions of forints over the next four years, it was announced at an event in Budapest on Monday.

Hungary’s foreign minister at the helm of Budapest Honvéd

In a statement, the Ministry said the minister first expressed gratitude for the honour, revealing this was not the first time he had been offered the role. However, this time, the right combination of ownership, professional structure, and personal support had come together, allowing him to contribute meaningfully in two key areas.

He explained that the first goal is for Budapest Honvéd to reclaim its rightful position in both Hungarian and international football, so that the team is once again respected and taken seriously.

“The second reason we’ve decided to embark on this joint venture is our vision for the Hungarian Football Academy—the Budapest Honvéd academy: to become renowned for nurturing young players and teenagers who not only receive the professional training needed to succeed in senior football but who also grow into good people,” he emphasised. “These are the two goals to which we have committed ourselves, and now all of us here will move heaven and earth to achieve them,” he affirmed.

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The foreign minister brought the money

Szijjártó outlined three crucial conditions for success. Firstly, a government-backed investment programme worth four billion forints (€10 million) will be launched, including the construction of a sports hall and the renovation and operation of the academy. He also hinted at additional forthcoming developments.

“Secondly, it has been agreed with the sports authorities and the parliamentary majority that by the end of November, ownership of the Bozsik Stadium and the Hungarian Football Academy will be transferred to Budapest Honvéd,” he announced.“This means we will truly be playing at home. We won’t be visitors on Saturdays and Sundays… Naturally, this will also establish the Bozsik Stadium as home not just for the senior team but also for the youth and academy sides, allowing each academy team to play at least one match every season at the stadium,” he added.

Main sponsor from Singapore

Regarding the third point, the minister said it had been unacceptable for one of Hungary’s most iconic football clubs to be without a main sponsor. That situation, he said, would now change.

“From now on, Budapest Honvéd will have a major international main sponsor—a globally leading company in its industry with Singaporean ownership. Yesterday, we signed a contract with Vulcan Shield Global, which means the club’s budget and financial capacity will increase by several hundred million forints over the next four years,” he explained.

“This ensures a stable professional environment, allowing the club to reclaim a leading role in Hungarian football in the long term, support proper development for young players, make the Hungarian Football Academy an attractive destination, and fill the stadium every weekend. I believe we’ve now laid the necessary foundations for all of this,” he continued.

Club owner among Hungary’s wealthiest

“Our aim, together with the owner, the presidency, and the professional leadership, is for every Honvéd supporter to walk with their heads held high, proud of their team. We want Mondays to be the days when staff are criticising others—not us or you. Our investments with the main sponsor are now underway, contracts are signed, the properties will soon be ours—so from now on, lads, it’s over to you,” he concluded.

Tamás Leisztinger, the club’s owner, emphasised that running a sports team is not unlike managing a business enterprise. There are different ways to go about it, including a “one-man show,” but a more sophisticated model is required, as no one has unlimited time or connections. As such, he decided to establish a five-member presidency to support him.

In 2024, Leisztinger was ranked among the 25 wealthiest Hungarians.

By the way, Szijjártó is a Bayern Munich fan.

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