In the small town of Ineu, during the early 1930s, a remarkable football team called “Victoria” was making waves. Comprised mostly of young working-class men—tailors, shoemakers, barbers, and carpenters—along with a few civil servants, this team was comparable to a modern-day third-division side. But what truly set “Victoria” apart was something unprecedented at the time: their center forward, the player leading the attack in the WM formation, was a woman named Elisabeta Szigeti.
Elisabeta Szigeti wasn’t just a novelty; she was a skilled and capable footballer. Her brother, Alexandru, played as a right winger on the same team, but it was Elisabeta who captured the attention of fans and opponents alike. She possessed all the attributes of a forward—speed, game awareness, and the ability to distribute the ball effectively to the wings. She was an adept dribbler, could deceive defenders with feints, and wasn’t afraid to head the ball or take shots on goal. Tough and resilient, she could even play a rough game when necessary, showing no hesitation in challenging her opponents.
However, like many players of that era, Szigeti had her limitations. She often couldn’t keep up with the intense pace of the game for more than 50 to 60 minutes and usually had to be substituted at the beginning of the second half. Despite this, her presence on the field was nothing short of sensational.
Whenever “Victoria” traveled for friendly matches in neighboring counties like Timiș and Bihor, or in cities such as Oradea and Timișoara, the team became a spectacle largely because of Elisabeta. Her role as the center forward made her a focal point of the team’s appeal, drawing attention wherever they played. The respect she commanded was evident—not only from the fans and referees but also from her own teammates, who were disciplined and respectful, particularly towards her.
The story of Elisabeta Szigeti is documented by Silviu Andru, who was the captain of “Victoria” during the 1930s. Writing in 1971 for the newspaper Sportul, Andru recounted his experiences with the team and highlighted the significance of having a woman playing football at a time when the sport was dominated by men. As an intellectual and judge, Andru faced criticism and even formal reprimands from the Ministry of Justice for associating with tradesmen and playing football. Nevertheless, his passion for the sport and his pride in his hometown kept him on the field until 1937, when he was transferred from Ineu.
Andru’s reflections serve as a reminder that women’s passion for football is not as new as some might think. The story of Elisabeta Szigeti, a pioneering woman in Romanian football, is a testament to the long-standing and sometimes overlooked history of women’s involvement in the sport. At a time when women’s football was virtually unheard of, Elisabeta Szigeti broke barriers and left a legacy that is still remembered today.
