Winter football moves often happen quietly. A name changes clubs, a line appears on a transfer list, and a new player walks into a locker room hoping the fit feels right. For Veronika Garabecz, the winter move to Szekszárd FC felt less like a transfer and more like a return to something familiar.
“I don’t think it’s a big secret if I say I was happy to say yes right away,” Garabecz says with a smile. “The first time I played here I already felt good. But now the conditions are even better than before.”
Still, there was one reason she didn’t hesitate for even a moment. “The biggest reason I came back is that Attila Vágó became the head coach. I consider him an excellent professional.”
A Return Delayed by Injury
Garabecz arrived in Szekszárd eager to start the next chapter of her career. But the beginning didn’t unfold exactly as planned. A lingering injury kept her from starting preseason training with the squad.
“The club welcomed me in great conditions,” she explains. “Unfortunately I couldn’t begin preparation with the girls because of my injury, but they still welcomed me with the same warmth as everyone else.”
That sense of belonging mattered.
“I’m really happy to be part of a team like this.”
When she finally stepped onto the training ground for her first session, the transition felt surprisingly smooth.
“It was a really good atmosphere at my first training. Honestly, it was easy to fit in because I already knew some of the girls from before. And I had worked with the coach previously too. I’m lucky in that sense.”
Lessons From Abroad
Garabecz is no stranger to adapting. Before returning to Hungary, she tested herself abroad twice — first in Romania and later in Iceland. The experiences shaped both her football and her character.
“I’m very grateful for those opportunities,” she says. “That time added a lot to me as a player and as a person.”
In particular, Iceland changed the way she approached the game.
“My endurance and aggression improved the most. In Iceland they play with a completely different mentality than at home.”
The pace was relentless. The physical battles constant.
“It’s more aggressive, stronger, and faster. It wasn’t easy to keep up with the rhythm,” she laughs. “Sometimes they even pulled my shorts down during challenges.”
But the bigger challenge wasn’t on the field.
“Mentally, Iceland was difficult. Being away from my family was hard, and there were other things that weighed on me emotionally. I’m only now starting to put myself back together here in Szekszárd.”
The Foundation Built in Romania
While Iceland hardened her physically, Garabecz believes the most important tactical growth in her career came earlier.
“In terms of tactical development, I think I didn’t gain that in Iceland but in Romania under coach Attila Vágó,” she says. “That’s where I also became mentally stronger.”
It’s another reason the reunion in Szekszárd felt right. For Garabecz, it’s not just another club — it’s a place where a familiar coach understands how to bring the best out of her.
A Career Shaped by Many Stops
Despite still being young, Garabecz has already seen several sides of professional football. Her first taste of the senior game came with ETO FC Győr.
“That’s where I first experienced what adult football is like and what it means to grow up among professionals,” she says. “I didn’t spend a long time there, but I probably learned the most in Győr.”
Another club left an emotional mark.
“The Vasas Femina FC is very close to my heart,” she says. “It gave me back my pure love for football.”
Playing in Székelyudvarhely brought joy back to the game.
“I loved every moment. I had a good season there because I felt so good in that environment. Later that helped me earn the move to Iceland.”
Every stop shaped her in some way.
“I’ve played in many places already, and each club taught me something. Every change helped shape me both as a player and as a person.”
Built for Speed and Battle
If there’s one thing Garabecz knows about herself, it’s the way she plays.
“My mentality is strong,” she says. “I try to do everything possible for the win. If I had to run into a wall to win the ball, I would.”
She laughs.
“I’m one of the fastest player in the team, and probably among the fastest in the country. That can really help the team.”
Her role will likely come on the left side — either pushing forward or locking down attackers.
“I’ll play on the left, either as an attacker or defender. But honestly, I feel more at home defending.”
The Mission: Survival and Growth
Szekszárd’s ambitions for the season are clear.
“The primary goal is to stay in the league,” Garabecz says. “But I hope we can finish as high as possible on the table.”
She believes the squad has the tools to do it.
“I think we became stronger in every position. Our defense works well, and the midfield is strong too. We just need to improve a little in finishing our attacks.”
Off the field, the group chemistry has been just as important.
“The atmosphere in the locker room is really good. We have a lot of team-building activities and spend time together often. I hope that connection will show on the field.”
The Players Who Inspired Her
Like many kids who grew up loving the game, Garabecz had her heroes.
As a child she admired two of football’s biggest icons:
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “They were my favorites growing up.”
Playing for Something Bigger
But today, her biggest motivation isn’t a superstar. It’s personal.
“I want to prove something to my dad,” she says quietly. “He invested so much energy into me and my career.”
Her voice softens.
“I want to make him proud. Now he watches my steps from above.”
Life Beyond Football
When she’s not on the pitch, Garabecz enjoys the simple things.
“I love traveling and shopping,” she says. “Whenever I have time, that’s what I usually do.”
For now, though, most of her focus is on Szekszárd — rebuilding confidence, rediscovering rhythm, and helping the club push forward.
And if her speed has anything to say about it, the league might have trouble catching her.
