Famous Romanian Football Players

Gheorghe Hagi is a legendary Romanian footballer known for his skill and creativity as an attacking midfielder. Throughout his career, he played for various top clubs in Romania, Spain, Italy, and Turkey, winning numerous league titles and prestigious trophies. Internationally, he represented Romania in multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, earning a reputation as a key player for his national team. After retiring, Hagi transitioned into coaching, leading both national teams and clubs in Romania and Turkey, as well as establishing a successful football academy.

Daniel Vasile Petrescu is a former Romanian football player turned successful manager currently leading Liga I club CFR Cluj. Known for his versatility on the field as a full-back or winger, he played for notable clubs in Europe such as Steaua București, Chelsea, and Genoa. Petrescu amassed 95 caps for the Romania national team and participated in multiple World Cup and European Championship tournaments. Transitioning into coaching, he has achieved success in various countries, winning domestic titles and earning accolades for his managerial prowess.

Mircea Lucescu is a highly decorated Romanian football manager and former player. He has achieved great success both on the field and on the sidelines. Lucescu has won numerous league titles with various clubs, including Dinamo București, and has also had successful coaching stints in Romania, Italy, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia. He is best known for his tenure at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won multiple domestic titles as well as the UEFA Cup. Lucescu has been recognized with several Coach of the Year awards and holds an impressive record in UEFA Champions League matches.

Cristian Chivu is a former Romanian professional footballer who played as a defender. He began his career at CSM Reșița before moving to FC Universitatea Craiova and then Ajax. He later transferred to Roma before joining Inter Milan, where he spent the majority of his career. Chivu achieved success at Inter, winning various titles including the Italian league, domestic cup, and the UEFA Champions League in 2010. He also represented Romania internationally, earning 75 caps and participating in major tournaments. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching and punditry roles.

Adrian Mutu is a retired Romanian professional footballer and current football manager known for his versatile playing positions as a forward or attacking midfielder. He began his career in Romania before moving to Italy to play for clubs such as Inter Milan, Hellas Verona, Parma, Juventus, and Fiorentina. Mutu also had stints with clubs in England, France, and India. Despite his on-field success, Mutu faced controversy due to failed drug tests, resulting in bans and financial penalties. He represented Romania at international level, scoring 35 goals in 77 appearances.

Gheorghe Popescu, commonly referred to as Gica by his fans, is a retired Romanian footballer who excelled as a defender and midfielder. He achieved notable success during his career, winning prestigious titles like the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup while playing for Barcelona. Popescu's talent and skill were recognized through his six-time award as the Romanian Footballer of the Year. His professional journey was marked by achievements on the field, cementing his reputation as a successful and respected player in the world of football.

Răzvan Lucescu is a Romanian professional football manager and former player. He had a successful career as a goalkeeper, playing for various clubs in Romania and abroad. Lucescu transitioned into coaching, starting with managing Brasov and later leading Rapid to Cupa Romaniei victories. He also had a stint as the head coach of the Romania national team. Lucescu has achieved significant success as a manager, winning multiple domestic trophies with clubs like El Jaish, PAOK, and Al Hilal, including the AFC Champions League in 2019.

Dorinel Ionel Munteanu is a Romanian football manager and former player known for his successful career. He holds the record for the most capped Romanian player, with 134 appearances and 16 goals. Munteanu played in two World Cup editions and two European Championships, showcasing his talent on the international stage. Currently, he is managing Liga I club Oțelul Galați, where he continues to contribute his expertise and passion for the sport.

Ștefan Radu was a Romanian professional footballer primarily known for his versatility in playing as a left-back or centre-back. He began his career at Dinamo București before moving to Lazio in 2008, where he spent the rest of his playing days. Radu achieved team captaincy at Lazio and won multiple domestic honors, including the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. He became Lazio's all-time appearance leader before retiring in 2023. Radu also represented the Romania national team, earning thirteen caps before retiring in 2013.

Raul Rusescu had a successful professional football career as a forward player. He played for various clubs including Steaua București, Sevilla, and Braga, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities and skill on the field. Rusescu experienced highs and lows throughout his career, achieving notable successes such as winning league titles and competing in European competitions. Despite facing challenges like injuries and changes in team dynamics, he remained dedicated and determined, leaving a mark as a talented and hardworking footballer before retiring.

Miodrag Belodedici had a successful professional football career as a sweeper, known for his elegant tackles. He spent the majority of his 19-year career with Steaua București and Red Star Belgrade, winning the European Cup with both clubs. Belodedici was the first player to win the trophy with two different clubs and the only player to achieve this with two Eastern European teams. He was also nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 1991. Belodedici represented Romania in 55 caps, playing in the 1994 World Cup and two European Championships.

Costel Pantilimon is a retired Romanian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He began his career at Politehnica Timișoara before moving to Manchester City in 2011. Pantilimon was part of City's squad during their 2013–14 League Cup triumph. He later joined Sunderland, Watford, Deportivo La Coruña, and Nottingham Forest. Pantilimon represented Romania internationally and was included in their UEFA Euro 2016 squad. After retiring, he continued his career at Omonia and Denizlispor before ultimately hanging up his gloves.

Bogdan Ionuț Lobonț is a retired Romanian professional football player turned coach. He specialized as a goalkeeper during his playing career and has since transitioned into a coaching role. With a notable career that includes representing Romania in international competitions, he has gained recognition for his agility and quick reflexes on the field. Currently serving as an assistant coach at Liga I club Rapid București, Lobonț continues to contribute his expertise and experience to the world of football.

Bogdan Sorin Stancu is a retired Romanian professional footballer who primarily played as a forward. He began his career at Argeș Pitești before moving to Unirea Urziceni and later Steaua București. Stancu was the top scorer for Steaua in his first season with the club. He then transferred to Galatasaray after a successful period at Steaua. Stancu also had stints at clubs like Orduspor and Gençlerbirliği. He represented Romania at the international level, including the Euro 2016 tournament.

Laurențiu Reghecampf is a Romanian professional football manager and former player. He has had a successful career in football, transitioning from player to manager. Reghecampf has managed various clubs, both in Romania and internationally, showcasing his tactical knowledge and leadership skills. Known for his strategic approach to the game, he has achieved notable successes, including winning league titles and guiding teams to strong performances in domestic and European competitions. Reghecampf continues to make significant contributions to the football world through his managerial roles.

Dănuț Lupu is a retired Romanian football midfielder renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills. Throughout his professional career, he showcased his talent and versatility on the field, earning recognition for his ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities. Lupu played for various clubs, both domestically and internationally, leaving a lasting impact with his technical proficiency and strategic play. He is remembered as a dynamic and influential player who contributed significantly to the success of the teams he represented.

Alexandru Iulian Maxim is a Romanian professional footballer known for his role as an attacking midfielder for Süper Lig club Gaziantep and the Romania national football team. He began his career with Espanyol's reserve team before moving to Pandurii Târgu Jiu in Romania. Maxim then transitioned to the Bundesliga, playing for VfB Stuttgart and Mainz 05. In 2020, he made a move to Gaziantep in Turkey. Maxim has also made significant contributions to the Romania national team, earning over 50 caps since his debut in 2012.

Gabriel Torje is a talented Romanian professional footballer known for his versatility as a right winger who can also perform on the left side of the field. He currently plays for Liga II club Concordia Chiajna and serves as the team captain. Torje's skills on the field have earned him recognition, notably being named Romanian Footballer of the Year in 2011. With a successful career marked by his adaptability and standout performances, he continues to make an impact in the world of football.

Ciprian Marica is a retired Romanian professional footballer known for his role as a centre forward. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills and talent on the field, playing for various clubs and representing his national team. Marica's contributions to the sport have been recognized, and he has left a lasting impact in the football world. Currently, he is involved in the sport as a minority shareholder of Farul Constanța, continuing his connection to the game even after retiring from playing professionally.

Adrian Rus is a skilled Romanian professional footballer known for his prowess as a centre-back. He currently showcases his talent playing for Serie B club Pisa, where he has demonstrated his defensive abilities and leadership on the pitch. Rus has also earned recognition for his contributions to the Romania national team, where he exhibits his strength, tactical awareness, and commitment to the game. His career is marked by consistent performances and a strong presence in both club and international competitions.

Cosmin Olăroiu is a highly accomplished Romanian football manager with a successful career both as a player and a coach. He has managed various prestigious clubs in Romania and the Arabian Peninsula, including Steaua București, Al Hilal, Al Sadd, Al Ain, Al Ahli, and Sharjah. Olăroiu has achieved notable success, winning league titles, domestic cups, and guiding teams to impressive performances in European competitions. His leadership abilities and tactical acumen have earned him a reputation as one of the top managers in the football world.

László Bölöni is a highly accomplished Romanian professional football manager and former player. He was a key player for Steaua București, contributing to their European Cup win in 1986. Bölöni excelled in the Romanian league, earning numerous accolades and achieving impressive playing records. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, leading teams in various countries and also serving as the head coach of the Romania national team. His coaching career was particularly successful at Sporting CP and Standard Liège, where he won multiple domestic trophies.

Nicolae Dobrin was a prominent Romanian footballer known for his skills as an attacking midfielder. Nicknamed Gâscanul ("The Gander") and Prințul din Trivale ("The Prince of Trivale"), he is regarded as one of Romania's finest footballers. Dobrin excelled in dribbling and was honored with the Romanian Footballer of the Year award three times. His contributions to the sport led to a stadium being named after him in his hometown of Pitești. His legacy continues to inspire football enthusiasts in Romania and beyond.

Cristian George Ganea is a Romanian professional footballer known for his role as a left-back at Liga I club Farul Constanța. After starting his career in the Spanish football system, he returned to Romania and played for various teams before finding success at Viitorul Constanța. Ganea's achievements include winning the national title in the 2016-17 season with Viitorul Constanța. He also had a brief stint at Athletic Bilbao before moving to Greek club Aris Thessaloniki in 2020. Ganea made his international debut for Romania in 2017.

Mirel Rădoi is a Romanian professional football manager and former player. He started his playing career at Extensiv Craiova before moving to Steaua București. He also played for clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ain, Al-Ahli, and Al-Arabi. Rădoi represented Romania in international matches, including the UEFA Euro 2008. He transitioned to coaching, starting with Steaua București, before leading the Romania under-21 national team to the semi-finals of the 2019 UEFA European Championship. He later took charge of the senior national team.

Claudiu Keșerü is a retired Romanian professional footballer who primarily played as a striker. He began his career at Bihor Oradea before moving to Nantes in 2003. Keșerü spent almost eleven years in France, representing five clubs and scoring 67 goals in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. He returned to Romania in 2014 to play for Steaua București and also had a stint in Qatar with Al-Gharafa. Keșerü then joined Ludogorets Razgrad in 2015, where he scored over 110 goals in the Bulgarian First League. He made over 40 appearances for the Romanian national team and featured in the UEFA Euro 2016 squad.

Cătălin Munteanu had a successful professional football career as a central midfielder. He played for various clubs in Romania, including Rapid București and Steaua București, where he showcased his skill and leadership on the field. Munteanu also represented the Romanian national team, earning numerous caps and participating in international competitions. Known for his technical ability, vision, and work rate, he was a key player for both club and country, leaving a lasting impact on Romanian football during his playing days.

Dănuț Coman is a retired Romanian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He started his senior career at FC Argeș and went on to play for various clubs including Rocar București, Rapid București, Brașov, Vaslui, and Astra Giurgiu. Coman achieved success with three Cupa României and one Supercupa României titles, primarily during his time at Rapid. He also represented the Romania national team in 14 matches. After retiring, he transitioned to an administrative role at Astra Giurgiu.

Ștefan Dobay was a prominent Romanian footballer who excelled as a striker for Ripensia Timișoara and the Romania national football team. He achieved 41 caps and scored 19 goals during his international career, showcasing his talent on the field. Dobay also represented Romania at the 1934 and 1938 World Cups, leaving a lasting impact by scoring a goal in each tournament. His contributions to both club and country solidified his reputation as a skilled and successful footballer and manager.

Rareș Enceanu is a professional Romanian footballer known for his role as a midfielder for CSA Steaua București. His career in football has been defined by his skillful play and strategic positioning on the field. Enceanu has showcased his talent and dedication through consistent performances, contributing to the success of his team. His presence in matches is marked by his ability to control the game's tempo and create scoring opportunities for his teammates, making him a valuable asset on the field.

Dragoș Grigore is a prominent Romanian professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back in the sport. He currently showcases his skills and expertise in the field as a valuable member of Liga I club Gloria Buzău. Throughout his career, Grigore has demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication, earning recognition for his defensive prowess and strategic gameplay. His contributions to the team have solidified his reputation as a reliable and skilled player within the football community.

Rareș Soporan is a Romanian former professional football player who primarily played as a central defender, with the ability to also fill in as a defensive midfielder. He started his career at CUG Cluj before moving to Universitatea Cluj and later transferring to Politehnica Timişoara. Soporan's career saw him make significant contributions, including a season where he scored 9 goals in 28 appearances for the Divizia B team. Despite some ups and downs, his dedication to the sport led him to continue playing and eventually transition into a career as a bartender in England after retiring in 2014.

Ștefan Grigorie had a successful professional football career as a midfielder, playing for various clubs in Romania. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and is currently serving as an assistant coach at Liga II club Tunari. Grigorie brings his wealth of experience and knowledge of the game to his coaching role, helping to guide and develop the next generation of players. His dedication and passion for football continue to make a positive impact on the team and the sport as a whole.

Cătălin Anghel is a former Romanian footballer who transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional play. He currently serves as an assistant coach for Liga I club Farul Constanța, where he brings his wealth of experience and knowledge of the game to help develop players and support the head coach. With a background in professional football, Anghel provides valuable insights and guidance to the team, contributing to their overall success and performance on the field.

Răzvan Marian Stanca is a retired Romanian professional footballer known for his versatile playing style. He had successful stints at various clubs including Sportul Studențesc, Dacia Mioveni, Pandurii Târgu Jiu, and Steaua București. Throughout his career, Stanca showcased his skills as a dependable player, contributing significantly to his teams' performances. He earned a reputation for his dedication, work ethic, and tactical awareness on the field. Stanca's presence on the pitch was marked by his commitment and passion for the game, making him a respected figure in Romanian football circles.

Cătălin Marcel Cursaru is a retired Romanian footballer known for his successful career in Liga I. He played a total of 167 games and scored 51 goals over seven seasons in the league. Cursaru was recognized for his skills on the field and his contributions to various teams throughout his career. His performance and dedication to the sport earned him a reputation as a talented and respected player in Romanian football history.

Ștefan Adrian Mardare is a former Romanian footballer known for his role as a centre-back. He began his career at FCM Bacău Academy before moving on to play for various teams such as FC Vaslui, Rapid București, and Unirea Alba Iulia. Mardare gained attention from clubs like Newcastle and Everton in 2007. In 2013, he signed a 3-year contract with Dinamo București but struggled to secure a spot in the first team due to fitness issues.

Lică Nunweiller was a Romanian international football midfielder known for his successful career playing for clubs in Romania and Turkey. He established himself as a talented player with exceptional skills on the field. Nunweiller's career was marked by his strong presence in midfield, his ability to control the game, and his leadership qualities. He was respected for his dedication to the sport and his contributions to the teams he played for, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of football.

Cătălin Grigore is a retired Romanian professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper. He has had a successful career in the sport, having played for various clubs during his active years. Grigore has transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the goalkeeping coach at Liga I club Petrolul Ploiești. His experience and expertise in the field make him a valuable asset to the team, where he imparts his knowledge and skills to aspiring goalkeepers.

Șerban Moraru had a successful professional football career as a right back, playing for various teams such as Forex Brașov, Bihor Oradea, FC Brașov (1936), and Olimpic Cetate Râșnov. Known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field, Moraru made significant contributions to his teams throughout his career. His experience and dedication to the sport earned him a reputation as a reliable and hardworking player, respected by fans and teammates alike.

Ștefan Iovan is a retired Romanian footballer and coach known for his successful career both as a player and a manager. He played for various clubs during his career, with Steaua București being one of his most notable teams. Iovan also represented the Romanian national team in 34 matches between 1983 and 1990. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, where he continued to showcase his expertise and passion for the sport.

Ștefan Onisie was a prominent Romanian footballer and manager known for his contributions to Steaua's Golden Team during the 1950s. He played a vital role in the team's success and was highly regarded for his skills on the field. Onisie's talent and leadership abilities earned him a reputation as a key player in Romanian football history. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, where he continued to make a significant impact on the sport through his strategic insights and mentorship of future generations of players.

Cătălin Răducan Necula is a Romanian football coach and former player currently working as an assistant coach for UAE Pro League club Sharjah. With a wealth of experience in the sport, Necula has demonstrated a strong understanding of tactics, player development, and team management. Throughout his career, he has shown dedication to improving team performance and achieving success on the field. Necula's contributions as an assistant coach have been instrumental in helping Sharjah compete at a high level in the competitive landscape of professional football.