Krisztián Hegyi

Krisztián Hegyi (born 24 September 2002) is a Hungarian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for side Motherwell on loan from  club West Ham United, and the Hungary under-21 national team.

Career
In May 2019, Hegyi joined the youth academy of English Premier League side West Ham United despite receiving offers from a number of high profile clubs around Europe.

During the 2022–23 season, Hegyi was a regular first-choice goalkeeper and occasional captain for the club's U21 side, featuring in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy. He has also made several appearances on the bench for the first-team.

On 21 July 2023, Hegyi joined newly-promoted League One club Stevenage on a season-long loan. He made his Stevenage debut on 8 August 2023 in the first round of the EFL Cup, against Watford. Hegyi made a late save from Watford's Rhys Healey to deny Watford a winning goal. As the match went to penalties Hegyi saved a spot-kick from Healey as Stevenage won 4-3 on penalties after the match had finished 1-1 after normal time. On 12 August 2023, he debuted in the 2023–24 EFL League One season against Shrewsbury Town F.C. with a 2-0 victory. Having struggled to establish himself in the first-team, he returned to West Ham United in January 2024.

On 8 January 2024, Hegyi joined Dutch Eerste Divisie club Den Bosch on loan for the remainder of the season.

On 28 June 2024, he renewed his West Ham United contract until 2027 and joined Motherwell on a loan, to begin on 1 July and for the 2024–25 season.

International career
In March 2023, after previously representing Hungary at youth level, Hegyi was called up for the senior team for the first time.

Style of play
West Ham United first-team goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero has praised Hegyi's mentality and maturity, whilst also stating he strongly believes he will go on to become the long-term No1 for his national team. Valero also added "he has all the tools needed to play at the highest level.”