Ákos Buzsáky, Ex-QPR Midfielder, Reported Missing as Budapest Police Launch Search

Ákos Buzsáky, the 44-year-old former Hungary international and Queens Park Rangers midfielder, has been reported missing in Budapest after he was last accounted for on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Hungarian police said. On Wednesday, August 26, authorities in the capital’s 17th district issued a public appeal for information, drawing concern from former English clubs and widespread coverage across Germany and Hungary.

Police have not disclosed why Buzsáky disappeared or whether foul play is suspected. His family has been unable to reach him since mid-August, and investigators are following leads in Hungary and Greece, where he has worked in construction in recent years.

Editor’s note: This article draws on Hungarian police missing-person listings, reporting from ATV, Blikk, Yahoo Sports, Goal.com, and club statements from QPR and Plymouth Argyle, August 25–26, 2026.

Who is Ákos Buzsáky?

Buzsáky is a retired professional midfielder who won 20 caps for Hungary and became a fan favourite during an eight-year spell in English football. Born in Budapest, he began at MTK Budapest, moved to FC Porto in 2002 during José Mourinho’s tenure, and arrived in England with Plymouth Argyle in 2005.

He joined QPR on loan in 2007, earned a permanent move in 2008, and stayed four seasons — the most stable chapter of his career. He made 125 appearances for the West London club, scoring 24 goals with 13 assists, and helped QPR win promotion to the Premier League in 2010–11. He played top-flight football the following season before stints at Portsmouth, Barnsley, and a return to Hungary with Ferencváros. He retired in 2015.

Milestone	Detail
Born	Budapest, Hungary
Age	44
Hungary caps	20
QPR record	125 apps, 24 goals, 13 assists (2007–2012)
Premier League	2011–12 season with QPR
Retirement	2015 (Ferencváros)
Recent work	Construction contracting, largely in Greece

In a 2022 interview, Buzsáky spoke openly about struggling with addiction after leaving football. There is no indication from police or family that those past difficulties are connected to his disappearance.

What police have said

According to listings on police.hu and Hungarian media reports, Buzsáky was last traced on August 18. Budapest’s 17th District Police Department formally listed him as missing and asked anyone with useful information to come forward.

Authorities have not said where in Budapest he was last seen or whether searches extend beyond Hungary. Reports on August 26 indicated investigators were examining leads tied to his business travel in Greece, though no confirmed sighting has been made public.

How to report information

Police asked witnesses or anyone with relevant details to contact the 17th District Police Department in Budapest:

Channel	Detail
In person	17th District Police Department, Budapest
Telephone	+36 1 443 5000

Officials urged the public to share only verified information with authorities rather than spreading unconfirmed rumours online.

Timeline

Date	Development
Aug. 18, 2026	Buzsáky last accounted for, per police
Aug. 18 onward	Family unable to establish contact
Aug. 25	Hungarian outlets report police search; father’s comments to Blikk
Aug. 26	Public appeal widens; QPR and Plymouth issue statements; German media pick up story

Family speaks out

Buzsáky’s father, Ákos Buzsáky Sr., told Hungarian newspaper Blikk that he did not know police were searching for his son until reporters contacted him. He said the former footballer had spent much of the past year in Greece working as a construction contractor — “almost the entire year” in 2025, by his account — but had returned to Hungary in the week before he vanished.

“As we don’t live together, we speak less often. The last time I spoke to him was last week,” his father said, referring to the period when Buzsáky was in Hungary.

Hungarian outlets reported that Buzsáky does not live with the mother of his children, who had also been trying to reach him. Attempts by Nemzeti Sport to contact him by phone were unsuccessful.

Former clubs express concern

News of the search reached English football on August 26, prompting statements from two clubs where Buzsáky was especially popular.

Queens Park Rangers posted on social media:

“The club are concerned to learn that R’s favourite Akos Buzsaky has been reported missing. We’re all praying he’s found safe and well.”

Plymouth Argyle said:

“We are concerned to hear that Akos Buzsáky has been reported missing. Everybody at Plymouth Argyle is hoping that Akos is found safe soon.”

Supporters of both clubs shared the appeals widely, reflecting the affection he retained more than a decade after leaving English football.

Why the story drew attention in Germany

Although the police appeal originated in Hungary, coverage surged across German-language media on August 26. Buzsáky’s European career — including his time at Porto and his Premier League season — gave the case cross-border resonance, particularly among football followers who remembered his technical midfield play and set-piece delivery at QPR.

German outlets framed the story as a former top-flight footballer missing abroad, amplifying the same police appeal Hungarian authorities had circulated domestically.

What happens next

Hungarian police are expected to continue their search while family members and former teammates await updates. No funeral, memorial, or confirmed sighting had been announced as of August 26.

Investigators have not said whether international agencies beyond Greece have been formally enlisted. Anyone with credible information should contact Budapest police directly using the number above.

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Discussion

Former teammates and supporters across England and Hungary are waiting for word on Buzsáky’s whereabouts.

1. How should football clubs balance public statements with respect for a missing person’s privacy?

QPR and Plymouth spoke quickly and supportively. When a public figure vanishes, what is the right tone for clubs, federations, and fans on social media?

2. What responsibility do media outlets have when reporting on a missing person’s past struggles?

Buzsáky discussed addiction after retirement, but police have not linked that history to this case. Where is the line between relevant context and speculation that could harm the search?

If you have information that could help locate Ákos Buzsáky, contact the Budapest police rather than posting unverified claims online.

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This article is news reporting, not legal advice. Do not approach or confront anyone you believe may be involved in a missing-person case; contact local law enforcement with verifiable information.