Callum Styles, a promising young English midfielder who plays for Barnsley, made headlines in October 2020 when he expressed his eligibility to play international football for Hungary or Ukraine. This led to Hungary showing interest in him, and after being monitored remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions, Styles eventually made his international debut for Hungary in March 2022. He quickly made an impact, being part of the team that beat England 4-0 in the Nations League. Now 24 with 22 caps for Hungary, Styles is gearing up to compete in the Euros and is likely to start their opening game against Switzerland.
Growing up in Middleton, Greater Manchester, Styles was aware of his Eastern European heritage through his grandparents but didn’t know the specifics until later in life. His grandmother was Hungarian, and he found out more about his family’s roots as he began his football career. Despite not having a strong connection to Hungary in his youth, Styles began to feel a sense of pride representing the country on the international stage. His experience with the Hungarian national team has been positive, with his teammates being welcoming and supportive.
Hungary’s recent success in international competitions marks a significant turnaround for the national team. Historically a powerhouse in world football during the 1950s and 1960s, Hungary endured a three-decade absence from major tournaments before their recent appearances in the European Championships. Styles and his teammates have been on an upward trajectory, with impressive performances in recent campaigns, including victories against Germany and England. The team’s advancement under manager Marco Rossi has instilled a sense of confidence and hope for the future.
As Styles prepares to represent Hungary in the Euros, he remains focused on his international commitments. He aims to showcase his talents on the global stage while pursuing a permanent transfer from Barnsley, following a successful loan spell at Sunderland. While his club future is uncertain, Styles is prioritizing his role with Hungary and is determined to give his best in the upcoming tournament. His family and friends will be supporting him in Germany, further strengthening his connection to his Hungarian roots and the honor he feels in wearing the national team jersey.
Despite initially viewing his Hungarian nationality as a flag of convenience, Styles has fully embraced his dual heritage. He looks forward to representing his grandmother’s country and honoring his family’s bloodline on the international stage. The experience of playing for Hungary has been a meaningful one for Styles, who sees it as a way to connect with his roots and pay tribute to his ancestors. As he prepares to compete in the Euros, Styles is focused on making his mark in the tournament and continuing to build on his international career.
