In a story that has captured hearts across the football world and far beyond, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has officially adopted a baby girl who was discovered abandoned under a bridge in the city months ago.
The newborn, now named Sofia, was found on a cold, rainy October night in 2025 beneath the Runcorn Bridge on the outskirts of Liverpool. Wrapped in a soaked blanket inside a cardboard box, she was shivering and alone when a passer-by heard faint cries and alerted emergency services. Paramedics rushed her to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she was treated for mild hypothermia and dehydration. No note, no identification, and no witnesses came forward in the days that followed.
The story made local headlines, with Merseyside Police launching a public appeal for information. Among those who saw the appeal was Szoboszlai. The 25-year-old Hungarian international, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023, was moved to tears by the image of the tiny baby fighting for survival.
“I saw her photo and something just hit me,” Szoboszlai later shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. “She was so small, so helpless. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I knew I had to do something.”
What followed was months of quiet, determined work behind the scenes. Szoboszlai, who has been open about his desire to start a family, contacted social services and began the rigorous adoption process. As a single man with a high-profile career, he faced scrutiny, but his commitment, stable finances, and support network — including close teammates and club staff — helped fast-track approval.
On January 10, 2026, the adoption was finalized. Szoboszlai brought Sofia home to his property in Formby, where she now has a nursery already filled with toys, clothes, and a tiny Liverpool kit with “Szoboszlai 8” on the back. In his announcement, he wrote: “From forgotten under that bridge to being my whole world — she now has the loving family she deserves. Welcome home, little Sofia.”
The post, which included a photo of Szoboszlai cradling the sleeping baby, has been liked over 4 million times in 24 hours. Teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah, flooded the comments with congratulations. “Brother, you’re going to be the best dad,” van Dijk wrote. Salah added: “Sofia is lucky to have you. Welcome to the family.”
Liverpool FC released a statement: “We are overjoyed for Dominik and Sofia. The club will continue to support him as he balances fatherhood with his professional commitments.”
Szoboszlai’s decision to adopt has been praised as a powerful statement of compassion in an era often dominated by self-interest. “This isn’t just a footballer adopting a child,” one fan wrote. “It’s a human being choosing to change a life that had almost no chance.”
Social services confirmed the adoption followed all legal protocols, including thorough background checks and home assessments. Sofia’s biological parents have not come forward, and the case remains open for identification.
For Szoboszlai — who has spoken openly about the importance of family and gratitude — this is a new chapter. “I’ve scored goals, won trophies, played in front of thousands,” he said in his post. “But nothing compares to holding her and knowing she’s safe now.”
As Sofia settles into her new life, the story of a baby abandoned under a bridge and the footballer who gave her a forever home has become one of hope amid tragedy. In a world that often feels divided, Dominik Szoboszlai has reminded everyone that one act of love can change everything.
Welcome home, little Sofia. Liverpool — and the world — is cheering for you both.