When Martin Adam emerged from the bench in Hungary’s opening recreation of Euro 2024, one million web memes adopted.
Standing 6ft 3in tall with an enormous crimson beard, the targetman rapidly turned a cult hero throughout Europe, described as ‘an absolute unit’ and ‘the Hungarian Viking’.
Hailing from the village of Forraskut, his in a single day fame took some getting used to, as he appeared as a sub in all three of Hungary’s video games on the match.
Cult hero of the 12 months
Adam was interviewed for the awards challenge of FourFourTwo journal, after being named our cult hero of the 12 months.
“I don’t prefer to be the centre of consideration, however I appeared to change into extremely popular,” he mentioned of his summer season. “There was a tall man with a giant beard who many came upon existed for the primary time.
“You simply should know the way to deal with it – I’m a laidback man, so it wasn’t a problem. Some make enjoyable of my look, however that is how I look.”
The targetman was a prolific goalscorer in Hungary with Paks – two-and-a-half years in the past, he nearly joined Luton City.
“They needed to signal me, however I nonetheless needed to gather employment factors to acquire a allow to work there,” he revealed. “That restriction’s since been eliminated, so I used to be unfortunate.”
He ultimately moved to South Korea with Ulsan HD, then earned a swap to Greek facet Asteras Tripolis after his look on the Euros.
That didn’t go effectively, although: he left by mutual consent in November, with out scoring a league purpose.
“Some individuals thought I’d win video games by myself due to the summer season hype, however my efficiency was removed from that – I used to be rapidly rebuked within the native press,” he mentioned.
“I used to be ready for optimistic momentum, however I understand how a lot work I’m placing in to attempt to flip issues round. I selected to return to Hungary moderately than sit on a bench in Greece each weekend.”
Subsequent up: Wrexham?
Adam has since been searching for his subsequent transfer, and the UK stays a dream – even League One, the place Wrexham are chasing promotion beneath house owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
“I feel English soccer would swimsuit me – if a suggestion got here, I wouldn’t assume twice, I’d go instantly,” he mentioned.
“Who is aware of? Perhaps I may very well be signed by Wrexham! Jokes apart, I’m well-known in Hungary and the Far East, so I’ll in all probability get affords from there. I need to show myself to everybody in 2025, however primarily to myself.”
The total interview with Adam is on this month’s FourFourTwo journal.
