National Team Player Roland Sallai Donates Millions to Neonatal Program

Hungarian football star Roland Sallai has stepped off the pitch to make a difference in the lives of newborns, writes Magyar Nemzet. The Galatasaray S.K. winger recently visited the Bókay Street Department, Pediatric Center, Semmelweis University in Budapest, bringing with him a donation of HUF 2.3 million (EUR 5,595).

The funds will directly support the hospital’s Newborn ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, blood is pumped outside of the body to a heart-lung machine) program, a life-saving initiative for babies suffering from severe lung diseases.

This specialized program, unique in Hungary, offers hope to newborns for whom traditional treatments are not enough.

According to Semmelweis University, the program has already saved numerous lives and continues to provide critical care for the country’s most vulnerable patients.

Sallai, who was suspended for Galatasaray’s latest match, took advantage of the break to return to Hungary and give back to the community. Semmelweis University expressed its gratitude on social media, stating, “True heroes stand their ground not only on the pitch, but in all walks of life.”

This act of generosity comes as the national football team player navigates his first season with Turkish football giant Galatasaray, following his transfer from Germany in September. While his market value recently dropped according to Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old has continued to show his worth off the field.

Fact

Roland Sallai joined Galatasaray for EUR 6 million on the final day of the Turkish transfer window, signing a four-year contract and inheriting the iconic number 7 jersey. The Hungarian national player is now the third most valuable Hungarian footballer, with a market value of EUR 13 million, trailing only Dominik Szoboszlai (EUR 75 million) and Milos Kerkez (EUR 28 million).

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