Hungarian Forward Mark Costa Reflects on Living in Fear During Israel-Iran Conflict

Mark Costa, a Hungarian striker who played last season for Hapoel Petah Tikva and previously for Bnei Reineh in Israel, returned to Hungary this summer to join newly promoted club Sash. Over the weekend, he scored twice in his team's 5-0 victory over ZTE, drawing attention in Hungarian media. In an interview, Costa spoke candidly about the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on his life and career while in Israel. He described living in constant fear during the first week of the war, recounting how he and his partner were evacuated on a rescue flight but returned after a week following discussions with his club. Costa detailed how air raid sirens forced them into bomb shelters both at home and during training sessions, emphasizing the psychological toll despite the Iron Dome's interception of most missiles. He noted that locals in Israel seemed to cope differently with the situation. Costa also reflected on his football journey, mentioning his frequent moves between clubs and countries as part of his pursuit to reach the highest levels of the sport and join a national team. He acknowledged the harsh realities of professional football compared to childhood dreams, stressing the importance of gaining positive experiences and mental resilience.